3 February 2009
Seminars Help Business to Navigate beyond the Global Financial Crisis
The Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) and the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC) are combining forces to present a series of seminars to help business meet the challenges of the current financial crisis and identify arising opportunities.
Minister for Trade, Simon Crean, said that the seminars entitled 'Beyond the Financial Crisis: Emerging export and investment opportunities in an uncertain world' will provide an update on international business conditions, strategies for managing risk, and credit issues.
The seminars offer the opportunity to hear Austrade experts from major export markets reveal insights into shifting global business conditions and new opportunities that are arising in international markets.
With two of the key financial issues confronting exporters in today's tighter global credit market being how to fund export production and how to get paid for work delivered, these seminars also provide a timely opportunity to hear insights and pragmatic tips from EFIC specialists on securing working capital and increasing certainty of payment from international buyers.
Minister for Trade, Simon Crean, said that in these uncertain times, it is essential for Australia that we continue to strengthen our ability to compete internationally.
"I welcome these seminars because, while we are working hard to get trade flows going and to further reduce barriers to trade, we must also ensure that Australian enterprises have access to the information and assistance they need to meet the challenges of the current international business environment.
"With such a small domestic market it is essential for our ongoing prosperity and employment prospects that we continue to improve our international trade and investment performance.
"Closer engagement with international markets will help see Australia through the current downturn and build prosperity past the resources boom.
"Now is the time to build for the longer term. Engaging with the opportunities of the global market can help build business confidence and establish a foothold on future success beyond the current global economic downturn," Mr Crean said.
The 'Beyond the Financial Crisis: Emerging export and investment opportunities in an uncertain world' seminar series will commence in Canberra (26 February) and continue in Melbourne (27 February), Brisbane (2 March), Sydney (3 March), Hobart (4 March), Adelaide (5 March) and Perth (6 March).
For more information on the seminars, including bookings, please visit: www.austrade.gov.au or efic.gov.au.
Media Inquiries: Mr Crean’s office - 02 6277 7420
David Varga (Austrade) 02 9390 2191; Jennifer Whittle (EFIC) 02 9201 2321