Media Release

Friday, 11 July 2003 - AO39/2003

Regional Australia The Winner As TradeStart Network Hits

Regional Australia received a major economic boost today with Trade Minister Mark Vaile officially opening the 50th TradeStart office in Port Lincoln, South Australia.

“TradeStart is a Coalition Government initiative designed to assist small businesses into export, thereby creating community wealth and promoting job creation in regional Australia,” Mr Vaile said.

“Last year’s funding commitment of $21.5 million over four years has allowed the Government to expand the TradeStart network into key regional areas around Australia – extending from Bunbury to Bundaberg and from Darwin to Dubbo,” he said.

TradeStart operates as a partnership between the Government’s trade agency Austrade and local partners including Chambers of Commerce, private sector organisations and State and Territory governments.

“Reaching 50 offices is a significant milestone, as TradeStart forms an integral part of the Government’s comprehensive strategy to double the number of exporters by 2006,” Mr Vaile said.

“By leveraging Austrade’s knowledge of international markets with its partners’ local expertise, TradeStart has proven a cost effective and efficient way of assisting companies into export.

“I am encouraged by figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics earlier this year that showed an increase of 25 per cent in exporter numbers from 25,000 to 31,450,” he said.

The new TradeStart office in Port Lincoln is a partnership between Austrade and the Eyre Regional Development Board and will aim to build on the remarkable export success of the region over the last decade.

“Port Lincoln’s success in overseas markets is testament to the innovative and entrepreneurial approach taken by its businesses. An approach typical of companies right across regional Australia that account for over half of Australia’s exports while employing only one third of the national workforce,” Mr Vaile said.

“The Federal Government, through initiatives such as TradeStart, is committed to assisting small business and building vibrant regional communities right across Australia.”

Contact:  Matthew Doman  02 6277 7420