TradeStart officially launched

10/4/03 The push is on to double the number of Australian exporters by 2006 through Trade Start's New Exporter Development Program, which was announced today by State Development Minister Clive Brown.

10/4/03
The push is on to double the number of Australian exporters by 2006 through Trade Start's New Exporter Development Program, which was announced today by State Development Minister Clive Brown.
The program replaces the former Federal Export Access initiative and offers free services to help Small to Medium Sized Enterprise (SME) Australian companies develop their business overseas and make their first export sale.
Mr Brown said the program would give Western Australian businesses the best possible start to exporting by providing free advice and information, export coaching and on-the-ground assistance in foreign markets.
"In WA, contracts have already been awarded to the Department of Industry and Resources (DoIR), the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) and Regional Development Commissions in Albany, Carnarvon and Geraldton," the Minister said.
"This will provide excellent support for the many SMEs in the regions which are producing products and services that have great export potential."
Industry sectors utilising the program include food and beverage, agribusiness, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and biotechnology, and those providing services in ICT consultancy and management consultancy.
"The TradeStart Program is offered to both manufacturers and service providers and a number of businesses are already benefiting from the program," Mr Brown said.
The Minister said several companies recently participated in a promotion of Australian products in Singapore, organised by Austrade, for new exporters.
"All of these companies have received interest from buyers and are now negotiating contracts," he said.
The New Exporter Development Program is in response to an agreement reached in April 2002 between the Commonwealth and State and Territory Governments to double the number of Australian exporters by 2006.
A total of 52 TradeStart contracts have been awarded nationally by Austrade, with networks in urban and regional areas across Australia.
"This program acknowledges that exporters generate wealth, improve living standards and create jobs, with one in five jobs in metropolitan areas and one in four jobs in rural and regional Australia dependent upon exports," Mr Brown said.
TradeStart, through the Austrade international network, can assist eligible businesses to:

  • assess their export capability;
  • identify target markets and provide links to Austrade's global network;
  • prepare businesses for their selected market;
  • help companies visit the market and arrange a program of appointments with potential buyers, distributors and business partners; and
  • assist visit outcomes and provide any follow-up required.
Businesses interested in further information on the TradeStart program can contact Sandra Draper, TradeStart Export Advisor, at the Department of Industry and Resources on 9222 5116, or Leanne Graesslin, TradeStart Export Advisor, at the Small Business Development Corporation on 9220 0217.
Minister's office: 9222 9699