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MEDIA RELEASE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND TIM FISCHER |
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11 May 1999 |
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Austrade to Expand Operations in Central Europe Austrade will open an office within the new Australian Embassy in Zagreb, reflecting the Government's commitment to assist Australian exporters diversify into new and emerging markets, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Tim Fischer, said tonight. Mr Fischer said the office is the latest in a series of extensions to Austrade's overseas network. As a result of the last two budgets, Australian exporters can now take advantage of expanded Austrade operations in:
"Through the Zagreb office and these other recent expansions, Australian exporters will be able to access the latest information on business conditions and export opportunities in these markets", Mr Fischer said. "This expansion of Austrade's overseas network complements other initiatives undertaken by the Government as part of its commitment to encourage and support the export efforts of Australian companies, particularly small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs)". "Legislation currently before the Parliament will extend the Export Market Development Grants Scheme to 30 June 2002, providing $300 million over two years to exporters to assist companies develop new markets for their products", Mr Fischer said. "I am especially pleased with the way the Export Access and TradeStart networks, co-funded and coordinated by Austrade, are providing SMEs in rural and regional Australia with direct access to Austrade's overseas network and its other export-related services". "Austrade will continue to assist Australian companies capitalise on business opportunities that flow from Olympics-related events in the lead-up to the Sydney 2000 Games." "Tonight's federal budget reaffirms the Government's commitment to deliver flexible and export-focused Austrade services as part of our trade strategy", Mr Fischer said.
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For further information: |
Brendan Egan - (02) 6277 7420 |