Council set up to promote trade with Asia

2/7/93

A new council, with extensive business expertise, has been established by the State Government to promote trade and investment between Western Australia and the Asian region.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Commerce and Trade Hendy Cowan said the Asia Business Council, to be chaired by Mr Harold Clough, would act as an important link between Government and the business community with the aim of creating a more focused approach to trade.

He said the Asia Business Council replaced the former Into Asia Business Council.  It would build on the work done by that group but have an expanded and more broadly based membership.

The new council also would embrace a more diverse range of trade and investment issues.

The members of the Asia Business Council, which had its first meeting this week, are:

·         Mr Harold Clough, Chairman of Clough Engineering;

·         Mr Dick Carter, Group General Manager, BHP Iron Ore Ltd;

·         Mr Ross McLean, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry;

·         Mr Simon Lee, Executive Chairman, Equity In Industry;

·         Professor Peter Boyce, Vice-Chancellor, Murdoch University;

·         Mr Graham Laitt, Managing Director, Peters (WA) Ltd;

·         Mr Michael Chaney, Managing Director, Wesfarmers Ltd;

·         Dr Lesley Borowitska, General Manager, Western Biotechnology Ltd;

·         Mr Ken Court, Chairman of Hawkins Court;

·         Mr Bruce Sutherland, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Department of Commerce and Trade.

Messrs Clough, Lee, Carter and Court all served on the Into Asia Business Council.

"The new council will strive for a more co-ordinated approach to ensure the widest possible range of two-way trade and investment possibilities are canvassed," Mr Cowan said.

"For example, the Council will be looking for opportunities to add value to our exports and at how the State can capitalise on areas where it enjoys a particular advantage compared with its trading competitors.

"This includes not only our natural resources, but also service industries such as education and technology.

"The Council's brief includes providing feedback on the effectiveness of Government trade and investment programs and initiatives and suggesting assistance or other measures Government can provide the business community to boost trade and investment.

"Regular meetings of the council, involving senior officials from the Department of Commerce and Trade, will ensure that Government policies are supportive of, and responsive to, development of trade and investment."

Mr Cowan said the new council's membership represented a wide cross-section of business sectors, including mining, agriculture and research and development.

"All those on the council have had experience in the marketplace and are eminently qualified to advise the Government on trade and investment matters," he said.

Media contact: Peter Jackson 222 9595