Media release

Australian Minister for Trade, Mark Vaile

Friday, 29 September 2000

Business Club Australia wins global gold

More than 12,000 Australian and international business people have flocked to the 'unmissable' Business Club Australia during the Olympic Games, Trade Minister Mark Vaile disclosed today.

A key component of the Federal Government's 'Australia Open for Business' Olympic strategy, the Austrade-managed Business Club Australia is en route to achieving a targeted A$1 billion in new export and investment revenue according to Mr Vaile.

Located at Darling Harbour's Wharf 7, and on board the largest ever fast ferry built in Australia, nearly 100 presentations and networking events have been held by Business Club Australia over the past 12 days.

Among the most recent visitors on the high profile international guest list was Bruno Bonnell, the co-founder of Infogrames Entertainment, the world's second biggest distributor of interactive entertainment software.

Mr Bonnell used the venue on Wednesday to announce a major multi-million investment in Victoria and New South Wales that will see the creation of 300 new jobs.

"Attendance at the presentations and networking sessions continues to go beyond our most optimistic forecasts," Mr Vaile said.

"I am in no doubt that those outcomes already realised and those yet to be achieved will fully ensure the Club accomplishes its targeted objectives.

"Business Club Australia has quickly become an integral part of the Sydney 200 Games, and has become an unmissable venue for top executives looking to mix business with sport.

"I've no doubt it will be used as a template by future Olympic host nations. In the meantime, Australia will be able to reap the economic benefits over many years to come," Mr Vaile added.

Mr Vaile is based at Business Club Australia during the Games.

Local Date: Friday, 21-Nov-2008 03:24:20 EST