Austrade media release30 November 2005
As Germany’s new leader, Angela Merkel makes her first speech as Chancellor (on November 30), Austrade has identified that the new Government's projects' agenda brings additional export opportunities for Australian companies.
Austrade’s Regional Director, Europe, Middle East & Africa, John Finnin said the new German government has already pledged $40 billion over the next four years to upgrade its transport system, provide more support for families and inject more funds into research and development.
“As far as Germany’s transport sector goes, Australia is in a good position to provide technology because it’s at the forefront of the development and commercialisation of intelligent transport systems (ITS),” Mr Finnin said.
“Australia’s vast dimensions and dependence on freight transport for commodity products has encouraged the development of particular expertise in research and development focused on transport technology and Australia has a world-class reputation as a research centre for ITS.
“Current applications undergoing development in Australia include multimedia passenger information systems and telematics software. Telematics describes advanced automotive technology that combines Global Position System (GPS) data with information about the performance of the vehicle,” he said.
Austrade’s Chief Economist Tim Harcourt said there are 2,507 Australian companies currently exporting to Germany, which is the second most important European destination for Australian exporters after the United Kingdom.
“Australian exporters have made successful inroads into the larger consumer markets in Germany, like food and beverage, but also in IT, advanced manufacturing and professional services,” Mr Harcourt said.
“Germany is known as being the ‘export engine room of Europe’ - and Australia has the potential to be a key supplier of components in German manufacturing supply chains.
“A good example of this is Australian manufacturer, Bishop Engineering, they produce high quality variable geometry steering components for Daimler-Chrysler from a factory in Saxony-Anhalt.
“Australia has a good reputation in advanced manufacturing and German companies are keen to do more business with high quality, competitive suppliers,” he said.
Media ContactKarla Davies, Austrade
Tel: +61 2 9390 2745 |