Australia-Japan Alliances in Software seminar - Perth

12/4/94

Closer links between Japan and Western Australia were a key to the future of information technology in this State, Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan said today.

"The computer software industries in both regions are already working together to promote their products, using WA's advanced environment in image processing, land management systems and remote sensing, combined with Japan's role as a world leader in hardware and software supply," Mr Cowan said.

A seminar called Australia-Japan Alliances in Software will be held in Perth later this month to explore a range of approaches towards closer co-operation.

Jetro is sponsoring the visit to Australia of three Japanese information-technology specialists as part of its program to promote industrial co-operation between Japan and other developed countries.

The specialists are Mr Susumu Iwasaki, of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry; Mr Michihisa Ikeda, of CRC Research, a leading software developer; and Mr Tadashi Tazawa, of software developer BSP Incorporated.

Western Australian speakers will include Mr Graeme Broad, of Wescom, which produces specialised surveying software; Mr Paul Royer, of Adam Technology, which manufactures photogrammetry equipment and software; Mr David Taylor, of communications specialists Automated Office Technology; and Mr John Stockridge, of Netsource, a network integration consultancy and service company.

The all-day seminar will be held on Tuesday, April 26 at the Parmelia Hilton, and will be opened by Mr Cowan.

It is being organised by the Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro), the Western Australian Department of Commerce and Trade, the Software Industry Association, the Australian Information Industries Association, the Federal Department of Industry, Technology and Regional Development, and Austrade.

Media contact:  Peter Jackson 222 9595