WA to take part in national trade marketing campaign

1/2/95

Western Australia will use its involvement in a new national trade marketing campaign to heighten overseas awareness of the State's sophisticated manufacturing capacity.

Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan said although there had been great advances and diversification in our manufactured goods and specialised services, the message was filtering through only slowly to some countries.

While Western Australian companies would compete fiercely in their own right to exploit market opportunities, a nationally-focussed marketing campaign could increase those opportunities.

"That is why WA has agreed to become a player in the 'Market Australia' strategy - a joint Commonwealth/State/industry initiative which seeks to improve perceptions of Australia's capacities in sophisticated goods and services," Mr Cowan said.

Speaking after the inaugural meeting of the Market Australia management advisory group in Canberra, Mr Cowan said it was important that those involved in running federally originated programs, such as Market Australia were made constantly aware of WA's specific needs and interests.

WA is one of four States represented at ministerial level on the advisory group which is chaired by Federal Trade Minister Bob McMullan.

Mr Cowan said Senator McMullan had indicated that initial target markets were likely to be China, Indonesia, Thailand and South Korea.

"However, I believe it is important that Malaysia and India be targeted as well because there is great scope for expansion there for WA companies, particularly in the area of information technology and  telecommunications, environmental technology and health services," he said.

"Increasing Australia's trade profile in those countries would add weight to the Commonwealth's 'Look West' policy.

"There is also potential for WA companies to become more involved in subcontracting work associated with projects in Asia undertaken by major international companies and consortiums.  Oil, gas and other energy development, for instance, are industries in which WA has particular expertise.

"Market Australia will use a range of communications methods - including print and electronic media, ministerial visits and trade missions - to increase awareness of what Australia has to offer.

"The aim is to get decision-makers in selected Asian markets to investigate the potential of sourcing sophisticated goods and services from Australia - to get on their shopping list of countries.

"Over the past two years, the Western Australian Government has been very active in the region having organised ministerial visits to most of the target markets."

Media contact:  Peter Jackson  (09) 222 9595