Grand Prix Flowerful Australia Flower Arranging Competition
Speech notes for the Minister for Trade Senator Bob McMullan at the Grand Prix Flowerful Australia Flower Arranging Competition,Tokyo, 14 October 1995
It gives me great pleasure to visit you on behalf of the Australian Government at this inaugural Grad Prix Flowerful Australia flower arranging competition.
I am sure that you would all agree that the six arrangements created by our finalists are truly stunning.
As we all know, Japan enjoys an unparalleled reputation for its skills in flower arranging so it is especially delightful to see the use of Australia's unique native flowers blended so beautifully with Japanese flowers in today's creations.
The Australian Government believes that Australian flowers offer you high quality, attractive and versatile flowers.
With thanks to you, Japan is now Australia's largest export market for cut flowers. Australia enjoys the natural seasonal advantage of being a southern hemisphere supplier.
The Australian fresh cut flower export industry has shown remarkable growth over the last five years and in 1994, Australia's cut flower exports were valued at 2 billion yen, of which 40 per cent were destined for Japan.
In order to met the demands of the strict quality requirements of the fresh cut flower market in Japan, the Australian Government has been working with industry and the Flower Export Council of Australia to promote various quality assurance programs, to ensure that you receive the best quality flowers available. So I would invite you all to see for yourself what Australian flowers have to offer and I know that you won't be disappointed.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors, Qantas, JETRO, the JFTD, NFD, The Flower Export Council of Australia and (tba) magazine.
Now I know that you are waiting to hear the results of the judging, I know that I certinly am, so I'd now like to ask Mrs Toda to announce the winner.
(Mrs Toda announces the winner. Minister is provided with a large mock Qantas ticket and is introduced to the winner to present the prize.)