Enhanced network gives business greater reach in the USA

A new Austrade trade office in New Orleans will give Australian businesses a helping hand with export and investment opportunities along the Gulf Coast of the United States.

Australian Government Minister for Trade, Warren Truss, said that the Gulf Coast region – which extends from eastern Texas to Florida, including the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama – presented significant commercial opportunities for Australian business.

“Australian companies are already very active throughout the Gulf Coast region particularly in areas such as oil and gas, infrastructure, construction, building products, and marine,” he said.

“The devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast has created an urgent need for businesses with experience and capabilities to contribute towards the massive reconstruction effort.

“Australians, particularly those in our northern States, have a long history of coping with such severe weather events so it is not surprising to see Australian companies supplying innovative solutions towards this rebuilding effort – from hurricane-resistant construction to water management systems.

“Austrade is already working along the Gulf Coast to promote Australian capabilities and to ensure Australian businesses with appropriate skills are well placed to bid for work as part of this massive task,” he said.

In May this year, Mr Truss announced that the Australian Government would provide $11.1 million to extend the Austrade‑managed USA export facilitators programme which helps businesses take advantage of export opportunities arising from increased market access under the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA).

Mr Truss said that the new trade office in New Orleans is a good example of the Australian Government’s commitment to maximising the ability of Australian business to take up commercial opportunities in the United States.

“Austrade has expanded its United States network since the introduction of the AUSFTA and now offers Australian businesses significant geographic reach in the United States as well as advice from industry specialists, including dedicated Agribusiness and Selling to Government teams.

“Even niche markets in the United States offer substantial market opportunities to Australian enterprises so we are increasing the support we provide in key regional hubs such as New Orleans, not just in the commercial centres such as New York and Los Angeles.

“The new Gulf Coast District Trade Office in New Orleans provides a good foundation for Austrade’s ongoing efforts to help promote awareness of Australian capabilities, highlight trade opportunities, and create long-term business partnerships,” Mr Truss said.

Media Inquiries: Minister Truss' office 02 6277 7420 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555