Austrade media release31 October 2005
South East Queensland exporting excellence on display at Parliament House
Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Senator Sandy Macdonald, will today host a showcase of successful and innovative exporters from South East Queensland at Parliament House, Canberra.
Sixteen successful regional exporters will display their capabilities in sectors as diverse as IT, food technology, skin care and horticulture. These businesses represent some of the world class goods and services that this region is exporting to markets as diverse as the United States, China, United Arab Emirates and Papua New Guinea.
Senator Macdonald commented that exporting was crucial to boosting employment opportunities in regional Australia and maintaining vibrant local and state economies.
“These exporters epitomise the innovation and expertise that regional businesses have to offer. They generate exciting employment opportunities for local communities as well as providing an important contribution to the health of the local and state economies,” he said.
“Queensland has successfully broadened its export base into knowledge industries such as IT and technology manufactured exports as well as maintaining its traditional strength in the mineral and agricultural sectors.”
“Regional Australia continues to lead the way in exporting with one in four regional businesses selling their goods and services overseas as opposed to one in five businesses nationally.”
One of the regional exporters shining on the global stage is Birkdale Nursery, joint venture partner of the recently launched campaign to sell ancient and rare Australian Wollemi Pine. Special guest speaker, Barbara McGeoch of Birkdale Nursery, will explain the positive impact international success has had on her business and the local community.
The Government has a network of export advisers located in 34 regional offices right across Australia that help local businesses enter exporting and generate new income and opportunities. Businesses in South East Queensland also have access to both trade and industry advice from the recently opened Export Hub in Tweed Heads – one of eight hubs being established across Australia.
The Government helps small businesses with the costs of export promotion through its Austrade administered Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) scheme. The scheme was given a considerable boost in this year’s budget with $30 million of additional funding being committed to it over three years.
The Parliamentary Showcase will be held today in the Mural Hall, Parliament House, 6.00pm - 7.30pm.
Media ContactRachel Kingsford Smith (Senator Macdonald’s office)
Tel: 0408 019 537
Adam Blight (Austrade)
Tel: +61 2 9390 2336
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