Media Release

Friday, 19 September 2003 - AO43/2003

New Exporter Success In Dubai

A small Western Australian company is the latest to benefit from the Federal Government’s push to double the number of Australian exporters, having secured export contracts to Dubai worth in excess of $1 million, Minister for Trade Mark Vaile said today.

Mr Vaile said that Barnetts Architectural Hardware, from Osborne Park in Perth, had won contracts to supply architectural door hardware to a gaol in Dubai through its participation in Austrade’s New Exporter Development (NED) program.

The Federal Government, through initiatives such as NED, is committed to assisting small business in rural, regional and metropolitan Australia, thereby promoting job creation and creating community wealth.

“The NED program is an integral part of a comprehensive Federal Government strategy to double the number of Australian exporters by 2006,” Mr Vaile said.

“This Austrade led initiative is designed to assist small and medium sized businesses achieve their first export sale by offering a package of free services including export coaching and assistance in-market.

“Through programs such as NED small businesses throughout Australia are able to tap directly into Austrade’s extensive overseas network of 93 offices in 56 countries, accessing on-the-ground intelligence regarding export opportunities.

“In the case of Barnetts, Austrade in Dubai provided a comprehensive overview of relevant opportunities, helped identify a local partner and was ultimately key to the company’s first export sale.

“Barnetts’ success in what traditionally has been a difficult market to crack for new entrants should be an inspiration to all small businesses contemplating export,” Mr Vaile said.

Contact:  Matthew Doman 02 6277 7420, Jane Sloane (Austrade) 02 9390 2118