Major promotion of WA under way this week in Taiwan

16/8/94

A major promotion of Western Australia is under way this week in Taiwan, aimed at getting more Taiwanese to visit the State, particularly for study and travel.

Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan  said today the promotion, titled 'Focus on Perth, WA',  included a workshop for Taiwanese education and tourism agents (August 19), a performance for industry and community leaders by WA musicians (August 18), and extensive advertising on local radio and in newspapers, including a special four-page supplement in the China Post newspaper.

The mission is being led by former Premier Sir Charles Court, who was heavily involved in the early development of WA's trade with Taiwan.

It has been mounted jointly by the WA International Education Marketing Group, the Department of Commerce and Trade, WA Tourism Commission, the Department of the Arts with assistance from Austrade in Perth and Taipei.

Two-way trade is currently valued at $500 million per year and has been growing at about 15 per cent annually. 

In 1992-93 WA exports to Taiwan were valued at $388.6 million, making Taiwan Western Australia's eighth most significant overseas market.  Exports to Taiwan are currently concentrated in the areas of raw materials and food products.

Mr Cowan said that Taiwan's consistent rapid economic growth had created an important potential market for WA's service industries, particularly education and tourism.

"For example, currently 20,000 Taiwanese students go overseas to study but Australia is attracting only 10 per cent of them," he said.

"Research shows that a major reason for the low numbers in Perth is a low level of awareness of WA's benefits and attractions, and 'Focus on Perth Western Australia' is aimed at changing that."

Mr Cowan said Perth had distinct advantages for Taiwan.  It shared the same time zone as Taiwan; a competitive cost of living; and was the closest State capital city to Taiwan's capital, Taipei.

"In addition, we have first-class tourist, cultural and arts attractions and education facilities which are the equal of any in the world," he said.

"TheWA International Education Marketing Group, an independent consortium of 17 institutions which enrol overseas students, is a pacesetter in Australia.

"The dedication of its members to providing the very best quality education services for the international market is envied Australia-wide.

"The group was the first in Australia to introduce a code of conduct for members, a code which has since been used as a model for similar codes in other States.

"I have no doubt that increased awareness among prospective Taiwanese students of the group's services will result in improved export returns for WA."

'Focus on Perth Western Australia' precedes the Australian Trade Fair in Taipei organised by the Australia Education Council (August 20-21).

Media contact:  Peter Jackson 222 9595