New Internet site to help local businesses capitalise on 2000 Olympics

29/3/98

The Western Australian Government is using the Internet to assist local companies to capitalise on the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.

"The aim is to encourage business people to take the broadest possible view of Olympic opportunities," Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan said.

"We are using the Internet to remind people that in the countdown to the Games, the international spotlight will be focusing on all things Australian - and that includes events and opportunities in WA.

"For a few brief months, there will be no better time to promote new Australian products and services to the world.

"In reality, it is not only our athletes who must use the time to prepare for their biggest test. Companies, too, should realise the Olympics has a race for them as well - and it is all about winning new business."

Mr Cowan said the new Internet site, 'The Business of Winning', was designed to work on many levels to encourage new business.

For example, it provided:

·      links to the business organisers of the Olympics;

·      highlights of business successes and developments associated with the Games;

·      promotion of WA's export drive;

·      encouragement for overseas investment in WA;

·      promotion of business migration;

·      promotion of Olympic tourism;

·      promotion of Perth as a venue for turn-of-the-century conferences; and -

·      encouragement for overseas students to study in WA.

Mr Cowan said four Government agencies - the Department of Commerce and Trade, the Small Business Development Corporation, the WA Tourism Commission and the Perth Convention Bureau - had teamed together to create the site: http://www.wa.gov.au/commerce/olympics/index.html

"When you visit it on your computer, you quickly discover there is much more to the business side of the 2000 Olympics than constructing new sports facilities," the Minister said.

"A lot of people are also under the impression that the only business being created by the Games has been signed and sealed.

"This is certainly not the case. The only limiting factor is ideas."

Mr Cowan said the site would be updated regularly to provide business and overseas visitors with the most up-to-date information.

Media inquiries: Peter Jackson 9222 9595