Media Release

Thursday, 29 October 2003 - AO45/2003

Vaile Launches Resource to Help Students go International

Federal Trade Minister Mark Vaile today launched a new teaching resource at Coffs Harbour Senior College designed to equip students with the skills to make their mark on the international business world.

Understanding the Global Economy is a collection of media articles and activities aimed at increasing understanding of, and stimulating discussion about, global economic issues.

“This important school resource will provide students with the skills and the know-how to tackle the export market. It will give our children, Australia’s future business leaders, a leg-up into international business,” Mr Vaile said.

“With one-in-five jobs nationally and one-in-four in regional areas relying on exports, this is good news for our community and the Australian economy,” Mr Vaile said.

“A bright idea with a lot of enthusiasm can take you far. An example is local Coffs Harbour company Australian Waterslides and Leisure who are winning lucrative export deals in the design, construction, marketing and management of water park projects. In doing so, they are creating valuable jobs for regional Australia.”

Mr Vaile said the new teaching resource developed by Austrade supported the organisation’s Exporting for the Future education program.

Exporting for the Future resources have been requested by 83 per cent of all Australian secondary schools for use by year 9-12 social science and business students.

“Understanding the Global Economy will broaden employment horizons for students across the nation,” Mr Vaile said.

Contact:  Matthew Doman 02 6277 7420, Jemima Lohse (Austrade) 02 9390 2703