Business on winning track for Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

An Australian Government business initiative to help Australian companies develop international partnerships and global business opportunities will take place during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

The Minister for Trade, Warren Truss, launched Business Club Australia - Beijing 2008 Olympic Games today at the Imperial Peking Harbourside Restaurant in Sydney. The high-profile business audience included the President of the Australian Olympic Committee, John Coates, and Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Shaofang Qiu.

“Given the impressive growth of the Chinese economy, closer economic ties between our countries are essential. China’s emergence as a major industrial powerhouse is one of the most significant and positive global developments in the world today, and Australia is well positioned to take advantage of this exciting and prosperous time,” Mr Truss said.

The Business Club Australia program will leverage the global attraction of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games by staging a series of networking events and business matching services in Beijing and Australia for Australian and international companies.

Mr Truss highlighted several Australian-based companies that have experienced business success in China and through the Business Club Australia program. Sydney-based PTW Architects is designing infrastructure for the Beijing Olympics including the main Olympic Village. ResMed’s Asia Pacific operations are growing dramatically, while the MOX Group produces software automation products used by the Chinese Government.

Managing Director of PTW Architects, John Bilmon, said the firm enjoyed a long and positive association with Business Club Australia.

“The networking opportunities Business Club Australia offers are excellent, attracting a relevant mix of people which ensures the potential for achieving tangible business outcomes is real,” Mr Bilmon said.

The Business Club Australia program builds on the success of prior programs staged during the 2000 Olympic Games, Rugby World Cup 2003, Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, the 2006 Spring Racing Carnival and the 12^th FINA World Swimming Championships.

To date, the Business Club Australia program has delivered $1.7b in business deals, has 8,500 members, 260 worldwide events and has over 100 targeted corporate hospitality sessions with business people from around the world.

For more information on Business Club Australia visit: www.businessclubaustralia.com.au

Contact:
Paul Chamberlin (Mr Truss’ office)   0419 233989 or email paul.chamberlin@dfat.gov.au
Caroline James (Austrade)                  0413 481579 or email caroline.james@austrade.gov.au