Launch of strategy to help exporters respond to changes in OS markets

September 30, 1998

A new trade strategy offering opportunities for Western Australian exporters and assisting them in responding to changes in overseas markets was launched by Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan today.

At the opening of the Western Australian Global Opportunities Network Conference 1998 (WAGON), Mr Cowan said the document, 'Responding to a Climate of Change - A Trade Extension Strategy for Western Australia', presented businesses with valuable insights into changing overseas markets.

The Minister also launched 'Market Opportunities for WA's Manufacturing and Services Sectors', which describes prospects in overseas markets for key manufacturing and service sectors in which WA has a competitive advantage.

"The Trade Extension Strategy acknowledges that Asia will remain our main trading region in the long term, and assesses the State's top 11 export markets in the region," Mr Cowan said.

"It looks at developing three further areas: new opportunities in the Indian Ocean region, new niche markets in Asia, and greater integration with North America and Europe. It also contains an economic and political risk analysis from the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation.

"We want to ensure our relationships with Asia are maintained through the downturn, and strengthened for the future. We must look at extending our export markets and increasing opportunities for the State's exporters. When the Asian economies recover, our economy will be in a strong position to take advantage of the expected growth in these countries."

The documents were compiled by the Department of Commerce and Trade with the assistance of the Government's international trade desks to ensure the information is current and reliable. The Market Opportunities document comments on market conditions and trade opportunities, gleaned from a range of sources.

Industries reviewed in the document are:

food, beverages and fibres;

building, construction and basic materials manufacturing;

oil, gas, mining and chemicals services;

marine, aviation, transport and defence;

environment management services and technologies;

education and commercial; business services; and -

information and communications manufacturing and services.

A third publication, the Marketing Information Directory, was also launched at WAGON. It aims to provide business with information on market conditions, opportunities, contacts and local business customs.

"The launch of these important papers coincides with WAGON '98, which focuses on International Opportunities in a Climate of Change," Mr Cowan said.

"WAGON '98 looks towards 2000 and beyond, and occurs at a time when WA companies are broadening their business interests into new continents and regions while consolidating their interests in Asia during the downturn. Businesses interested in trading successfully overseas need to be aware of how to deal with daily changes in the various markets."

Mr Cowan said WA had only 10 per cent of Australia's population, yet was responsible for one-quarter of the nation's exports.

He paid tribute to the State's exporters, who had established themselves in many overseas markets. The drive and determination of many exporters to take world-class products overseas was largely a result of having a small domestic market to service.

"The State Government has worked with exporters to promote WA and take products to the world," the Minister said.

WAGON '98 brings together senior international market specialists from India, Europe, South Africa, South America, Middle East, Malaysia/Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan and Korea.

Mr Cowan acknowledged the ANZ Bank for its sponsorship of the conference, and the Department of Commerce and Trade for its hard work in bringing the speakers together.

"The conference demonstrates the Government's ongoing commitment to developing trade and strengthening the State's economy now and into the next millennium," he said.

For further information about the three documents released at WAGON '98, contact the Business Assistance Gateway on (08) 9481-2525 or free call 1800-199-251 for country callers.

Media contacts: Peter Jackson (Minister's office) (08) 9222 9595

Arthur Hanson (DCT) 9327-5666