Participation in Chinese trade exhibition highly successful

26/3/93

Western Australia's first major participation in an international exhibition in the People's Republic of China has been an outstanding success, Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan said today.

The inaugural Building South China '93 exhibition held in Guangzhou earlier this month attracted some 40,000 visitors.

The 13 Western Australian companies participating in Guangzhou established valuable contacts and commenced negotiations for sales and contracts which could net $10 million for them over the next 12 months.

The Chinese visitors to the exhibition were keen to learn about the products on display which included medium density fibreboard and particle board, granite blocks, flexible foam sheets, low-cost solar hot water heaters, engineering services, flexible air-conditioning ducts, insulated roof and wall panels and insulated panel manufacturing technology, architectural consultancy, ceramic tiles and clay bricks.

The Western Australians were the second largest international group at Building South China '93 after the countries of the European Economic Community.

"The level of industry support for this inaugural exhibition in South China is indicative of the importance that WA companies place on strengthening trade and business ties with the Asian geographic region," Mr Cowan said.

"The building and construction industry in the Guangdong Province of southern China is booming and the opportunities for committed WA companies are enormous.

"Most of the WA exhibitors wish to return to China and participate in Building South China '94, with some companies seeking to double the space taken this time.  The companies are also keen to participate in other building products and services exhibitions in northern China.

"The success of Building South China '93 for WA exhibitors is a clear indication of the effectiveness of Government support for WA companies in establishing markets in the Asian region, including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand and the Philippines.

"Cities such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Guangzhou are gigantic construction sites, offering significant and ongoing opportunities for competitive WA companies.

"WA companies have demonstrated that they can compete in Asia and will continue to be encouraged by my department to participate in targeted international trade exhibitions like Building South China '93."

Media contact: Peter Jackson 222 9595