Agreement linking Bentley-southern Indian technology parks

22/11/93

The Western Australian Government has signed an agreement linking Perth's Bentley Technology Park with a major new 'technopark' being established in the southern Indian State of Kerala.

Deputy Premier Hendy Cowan signed a memorandum of understanding with Kerala's Minister for Industries and Social Welfare, Mr P K Kunhalikutty, during a visit to the State capital of Trivandrum.

It provides for co-operation and interaction between the two establishments, with the aim of achieving technological advances and new trade opportunities.

Construction of the Kerala Technopark is well-advanced on a spectacular hilltop site overlooking the Arabian Sea.  It is India's first designated technology park.

WA's Technology Park already has a similar arrangement with a technology park in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Mr Cowan, who toured the Trivandrum site, said he believed the agreement would lead to technology transfers, manufacturing opportunities, joint research and the formation of strategic alliances.

"It is to be hoped that the arrangement also will lead to student exchanges and other educational benefits," he said.

Specifically, the memorandum of understanding's objectives are to:

·       promote co-operation and collaboration in research and development by companies and individuals in areas of mutual interest, especially those relevant to economic and social development;

·       assist in the process of supporting technology transfer between WA and India;

·       promote the exchange of views in the formulation and application of technology policies;

·       facilitate interaction between government officials, scientists and technologists in the two countries;

·       promote the establishment of strategic alliances to facilitate product development, establishment of manufacturing facilities and to provide access to market opportunities in WA and India.

There is also scope for joint development of Indian and Western Australian technology hardware and software products.

The technopark will specialise in electronics and communications projects and the Kerala State Government is offering a package of incentives for businesses and industries to locate there.

Mr Cowan said the agreement would give both States new strengths.

"We can each complement the other in turning technological advances into cost-competitive products designed for a world market," he said.

"There are niche markets to be serviced, but the windows of opportunity are opening and closing much faster than ever before.

"That is why we need these international alliances and why countries need to work together.

"Today it is not good enough just to draw scientists together in one spot.  In the global village which our society has started to become, there need to be global networks to produce the most creative synergy.

"Agreements such as that signed at the weekend also help to promote friendship between nations."

Mr Cowan paid tribute to the achievements of Technology Park at Bentley since its establishment in 1985.

"It has become the most successful science industry centre of its kind in Australia," he said.

"At the latest count, some 60 companies and organisations have established themselves within its boundaries and about 80 per cent have found themselves export markets.

"The total value of their overseas sales last year was about $20 million with double that figure being generated within Australia."

Media contact:  Barry Thornton 222 9595