Media Release
Thursday, 23 October 2003 - AO44/2003
Beijing 2008 A Winner For Aussie Exporters
The visit of Chinese President Hu Jintao to Sydney’s Olympic Park today enabled him to see first-hand the capacity of Australian companies to deliver infrastructure and services necessary to stage the world’s largest sporting event, Trade Minister Mark Vaile said today.
Several Australian companies have already secured key contracts for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, including the design contract for the athletes’ village.
“As the Games draw closer there will be many more opportunities for local companies, particularly in construction and catering, event management, environmental and operational services. Through Austrade we are leading the charge to help Australian companies clinch these deals.”
Mr Vaile will meet President Hu during the Chinese leader’s visit to Canberra tomorrow.
Australian businesses have secured contracts to design the athletes’ village, Olympic Green, shooting centre and aquatic centre and to provide training to staff and volunteers.
PTW Architects has won the design contract for the athletes’ village, which will cost an estimated US$200 million to construct. The company will also design the 17,000-seat Beijing Olympics National Swimming Centre.
Telstra will provide telecommunications advice during the Games. Sydney-based Group GSA has won the international design competition for the Olympic shooting venue. The company also designed the $20 million International Shooting Centre for Sydney 2000.
Architectural services company Bligh Voller Nield has been appointed to develop the master plan for the Beijing Olympic Green.
Following success in securing a deal to prepare training materials for about 80,000 staff and volunteers for Athens 2004, TAFE Global is now bidding to provide similar services for the 2008 Games.
Mr Vaile said the success of local businesses in winning key Olympic contracts bolstered Australia’s strong international reputation for providing first-class goods and services and highlighted the growing importance of China as a trading partner.
“In 2002 merchandise exports to China grew 10 percent to $8.4 billion. On current trends, China will overtake Japan as Australia’s number one export destination by 2012,” he said.
“These Olympic contracts allow us to demonstrate to China and the world what Australia has to offer. Our economy, local job prospects and other companies looking to enter the international market are all set to benefit.”
Contact: Matthew Doman 02 6277 7420, Jemima Lohse (Austrade) 02 9390 2703