Australian Minister for Trade, Mark Vaile
FRIDAY MAY 19, 2000
MVT49/2000
Exporters given a sporting chance in Hong Kong
Trade Minister, Mark Vaile, today launched promotional events in Hong Kong designed to demonstrate Australian sporting industry expertise and the sector's ability to help other countries secure major events.
"Hong Kong has become the latest arena for efforts by the Australian sports industry and the Federal Government to trade on Sydney's success in winning and preparing for the 2000 Olympic Games," Mr Vaile said.
"Australia's experience in staging the Sydney Games could be invaluable to Hong Kong's intended bid to host the 2006 Asian Games,"
"We've set the standard to which all hosts of major sporting events must now aspire. Not only have we built cutting-edge infrastructure, but we've at all times adhered to strict principles of environmental responsibility."
The delegation of Australian sport-related companies and organisations covered a wide range of goods and services, including training, design, sporting surfaces, and sports medicine and medical equipment.
Brought together by Austrade, the group conducted a special seminar and reception showcasing its collective expertise and held talks with senior local officials, decisionmakers and contractors.
The Federal Governments Australia Open for Business program includes initiatives designed to generate long-term, national economic benefit - especially through increased exports and investment - from the Sydney Olympics.
One element of the program is Business Club Australia, a real and "virtual" club that fosters networking between Australian companies and those Olympic visitors planning to pursue business opportunities in the lead-up to and during the Games.
Earlier this month, Mr Vaile announced that a Senior Trade Commissioner would be appointed to Austrade's post in Athens, primarily to capture business opportunities arising from the Greek capital's hosting of the 2004 Olympics.
Contact:
Minister's office (02) 6277 7420
David Rose (Austrade) (02) 9390 2388