Media Release

Australia Investing in Innovative Production in Thailand

The production of innovative and sophisticated products is opening new markets for Australian companies overseas, Trade Minister Mark Vaile said today at the opening of a new BHP Steel plant in Thailand.

Mr Vaile said BHP Lysaght's new steel fabrication plant in Khon Kaen, Thailand, was further evidence relations between Australia and Thailand were going from strength to strength.

" Investments like BHP Steel's new facility in Khon Kaen symbolises the commitment of Australia's business sector to bringing our two economies closer together," Mr Vaile said.

" Australia and Thailand are currently negotiating a Closer Economic Relations Free Trade Agreement which has the potential to deepen significantly what is already a strong commercial relationship between our two countries.

" BHP Steel is Australia's largest investor in Thailand. This is their fifth investment over the past 12 years and reflects BHP Steel's confidence in the long-term business opportunities offered by Thailand."

The new facility utilises Australian steel product and turns it into sophisticated, complete steel building solutions, enabling BHP Steel Lysaght to supply complete buildings to their customers.

The factory was designed, fabricated and supplied by BHP Steel Lysaght in Thailand and was erected by another Australian company, Thai Leighton.

" I congratulate BHP Steel Lysaght on its new investment and wish BHP Steel, their local partners, suppliers and employees every success for this new state-of-the-art investment," Mr Vaile said.