6 July 1995
TWO WAY TECHNOLOGY TRADE WITH SOUTH AFRICA
The Minister for Trade, Senator Bob McMullan, announced today that Tubemakers Australia has entered into joint ventures with two South African companies on water and waste water treatment projects.
Senator McMullan told the Australia-Southern Africa Business Council that Tubemakers and Dorbyl Limited will enter the southern African market for sewage treatment plants using Tubemakers' patented Aeration and Allied Technologies processes and products, and Tubemakers will work with Stewart Scott Inc. to bring Biological Nutrient Removal technology to Australia.
"These ventures are outstanding examples of the changing face of Australian trade, and reflect the development of both the Australian and South African economies," Senator McMullan said.
"Australia and South Africa have long been considered as competitors, mainly because of our history of competition in the mineral and agricultural produce sectors.
"However, our similarities can generate opportunities also.
"While there are areas where Australia and South Africa will continue to vigorously compete, Tubemakers' joint ventures are a clear sign of the opportunities for cooperation in areas where we have complementary skills and expertise, particularly in technology exchange.
"Both countries have an excellent technological base, and the similarities in climate and environmental conditions mean that much of the research conducted in each country can be readily transferred to the other," Senator McMullan said.
The joint venture with Dorbyl Limited, South Africa's leading diversified engineering and manufacturing company, is expected to grow rapidly because of the demand for sewage treatment plants generated by the new South African Government's Reconstruction and Development Plan.
This latest venture builds on the Tubemakers-Dorbyl steel pipes joint venture which was opened by Senator McMullan in South Africa in March this year.
Further information:
Senator McMullan's office: John Flannery, (06) 277 7420, 018 482 887
Tubemakers: Terry Chuah, (02) 922 1200