New Resources to Drive AUSFTA Outcomes

Trade Minister Mark Vaile announced today that the Australian Government would provide $6 million over two years to appoint 30 new Austrade export facilitators dedicated to pursuing export opportunities arising from increased market access under the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA).

"The AUSFTA, which came into force on 1 January 2005, creates enormous opportunities for Australian businesses in the world's largest market," Mr Vaile said.

"Independent economic analysis estimates that the AUSFTA will increase Australia's real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by $6.1 billion per year a decade after coming into force and deliver 30,000 jobs by 2012.

"The appointment of the 30 export facilitators will help Australian businesses, particularly small and medium sized businesses, to take advantage of the export opportunities arising from the AUSFTA."

Implementation of this commitment will require the appointment of 23 export facilitators in the United States of which ten will work on general market opportunities, five will work on government procurement opportunities, three will focus on agricultural export opportunities and five will be dedicated to niche market opportunities. An additional seven mobile export advisers will be based in locations around Australia to facilitate "live" AUSFTA opportunities and provide on-the-ground support for Australian exporters.

"The process of recruiting the US-based advisers is well underway, giving Austrade unprecedented reach in that market. New export facilitators have already been engaged in Denver, Houston, Miami, Boston, Seattle, Washington and New York with more to follow as part of a phased implementation program," Mr Vaile said.

"A new Austrade 'Selling to Government' office was recently established in Washington to assist Australian companies tap into the $200 billion US Federal Government Procurement market, as well as the government markets in 29 US states.

"The AUSFTA provides a unique opportunity for Australian companies to gain a competitive edge in the US market. I encourage all exporters to take advantage of Austrade's increased resources to capitalize on opportunities arising from the AUSFTA."

Contacts: Richard Forbes (Minister Vaile) 02 6277 7420