Exporters to Benefit from Extension to Tradestart

Australian businesses, particularly in rural and regional Australia, will benefit considerably from a 2006-07 Federal Budget initiative to extend the TradeStart Programme, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Mark Vaile, said tonight.

Mr Vaile said that the Government had committed $23.3 million over four years to continue the TradeStart programme which has seen over 1100 new exporters achieve export sales of over $410 million since 2002.

"Currently there are more than 50 TradeStart and TradeStart extension offices operating across all states and territories, in addition to eight regional export hubs, to ensure that small and medium sized companies have access to local export assistance."

"The TradeStart network also ensures companies in regional Australia have access to services under Austrade's New Exporter Development Programme. It provides one-on-one advice to new exporters to help them realise their export potential and to succeed in international markets. It also works to support existing exporters to access new markets overseas."

"TradeStart is delivered in partnership between Austrade and local partners including chambers of commerce, private sector organisations, and state and territory governments. By leveraging Austrade's knowledge of international markets with its partners' local expertise, TradeStart is an effective way of helping companies into export."

"This initiative ensures all businesses looking to export can continue to access practical advice and assistance locally" Mr Vaile said.

Contact: Mr Vaile's Office 02 6277 7420, Departmental 02 6261 1555, Austrade 02 9390 2701