You are here:

Past Media Releases

Past Austrade media releases are displayed below.

Articles and other commentary from Austrade’s Chief Economist available in Economist’s Corner.

2005 Media Releases

EXPORT SNAP-SHOT: Fortnight commencing 31 October 2005 31 Oct 2005: Austrade has experienced a marked increase in interest in the US market by Australian exporters since the signing of the Australia-US Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA). For example, in the first nine months of 2005, the number of Australian businesses Austrade assisted to achieve export deals in the US grew by 47 per cent over the same period last year. (SOURCE: Austrade)

Zork, not cork, seals deals with US winemakers (Parliamentary Secretary) 28 Oct 2005: Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Trade, Sandy Macdonald, is in Adelaide today visiting Austrade-assisted exporter ZORK, an innovative wine closure company which is finding enthusiastic buyers in the United States and is benefiting from the elimination of tariffs under the Australia – US Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA).

Austrade sees Ramler take a seat in Los Angeles 28 Oct 2005: Austrade assisted exporter, Ramler Contract, has beaten major US-based competitors to win a Westfield project to provide furniture to the Century City Food Court, a major complex based in Los Angeles.

RESCHEDULED: Austrade seminar series on India 21 Oct 2005: Australia’s sixth-largest export market worldwide – India – is the subject of a national seminar series starting late November when Austrade’s India-based specialists arrive with a treasure-trove of sales leads for Australian exporters.

Promising export future for Queensland's creative industries 19 Oct 2005: Exporting opportunities for Queensland’s vibrant creative industry sector, now worth $1 billion and generating up to $100 million in exports annually, will be the focus of a seminar being held in Brisbane on Wednesday, 26 October 2005.

Improving Export Opportunities to the Czech Republic (Parliamentary Secretary) 19 Oct 2005: Australia has the opportunity to build upon the developing trade relationship with the Czech Republic, especially in education, tourism and cultural exchanges, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Senator Sandy Macdonald said today.

Czech Republic continues to shine for Australian exporters 19 Oct 2005: The Czech Republic may be a little country, but it’s delivering big returns for a number of Australian exporters, there’s more than 120 Australian products and services currently represented in the market. With an improving economy, an increase in foreign direct investments and massive inbound tourism, the Czech Republic’s appetite for Australian products and services is rising rapidly.

Australia and Taiwan forge closer ICT links 19 Oct 2005: An industry delegation travelled to Taipei last week to promote Australian ICT expertise and to boost trade opportunities in this vibrant sector with Taiwan. The delegation attended the largest electronics exhibition held in North East Asia which showcased telematics, automotive and green electronics and IP telecommunications from around the world.

Octoberfest puts focus on Germany for Aussie manufacturers 18 Oct 2005: Australians and Germans don’t just share an appreciation for beer; with Octoberfest festivities underway, Austrade is now calling for our manufacturing and biotechnology firms to focus their interests on Germany.

EXPORT SNAP-SHOT: Fortnight commencing 17 October 2005 17 Oct 2005: The Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA), signed on 1 January this year, is helping to convince Thai distributors and customers to choose high-end Australian made kitchen appliances. Melbourne-based manufacturer Think Appliances says the ongoing benefits of TAFTA were instrumental in recently securing a distributor in Thailand. (SOURCE: Austrade)

Austrade encourages Australian musicians to tour Eastern Europe 17 Oct 2005: For a growing number of Australian music acts and performers, Eastern Europe is offering the opportunity to play to enthusiastic audiences in a variety of countries that are steeped in rich musical cultures.

Call for Aussie Wine Expertise for Argentina Trade Show (Parliamentary Secretary) 13 Oct 2005: Austrade’s stand at the viticulture trade show, SITEVI Mercosur in Argentina, will be the place to be for Australian businesses with wine technology expertise, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Trade, Senator Sandy Macdonald said today.

Senator Macdonald Welcomes US Council of State Governments for AUSFTA Discussions (Parliamentary Secretary) 11 Oct 2005: As part of ongoing trade policy and business discussions surrounding the Australia – US Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Trade, Sandy Macdonald today met with the Council of State Governments, a US organisation responsible for forecasting policy trends for US state governments.

Emerging Inland China prospects benefit Aussie exporters 10 Oct 2005: Austrade’s Chief Economist Tim Harcourt said export opportunities in China are on the rise with recent trends showing a shift in the focus of growth away from the ‘big three’ – Shanghai, Beijing and the Hong Kong/Pearl River Delta (PRD).

Australian companies target business opportunities in Toronto - Canada 7 Oct 2005: Toronto, Canada has been the focus this week for a group of leading Australian construction, infrastructure and investment businesses, who are visiting the city to explore the expanding level of business opportunities throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Sky's the Limit for Australian Service Companies in China - Media Release 4 Oct 2005: After securing ten contracts with Chinese airlines worth more than $1 million, Melbourne-based Aviation Compliance Solutions (ACS) is leading the way to success in China for Australia’s knowledge and service industries.

EXPORT SNAP-SHOT: Fortnight commencing 4 October 2005 4 Oct 2005: The mix of goods and services Australia’s exports – and who buys them – has changed markedly over the past decade. Primary products continue to make up the bulk of merchandise exports, accounting for 57 per cent of the total in 2002-03. But a new emphasis on high-tech manufactured goods, new technologies and sophisticated services is rapidly replacing the old image of an Australia living off the sheep’s back and underground riches. (SOURCE: Austrade)

Melbourne Businesses to Get 'Stamped for Export' 30 Sep 2005: Melbourne businesses will find out what it takes to compete on the international stage as a successful exporter at a free Melbourne Business Festival seminar on Wednesday 5 October.

Australia's Consumer Goods Industry Perfect for 'Gold Band of Asia' 30 Sep 2005: Consumer goods and lifestyle firms are urged to attend Austrade’s first-ever ‘buyer mission roadshow’ in late October where they will meet with key retail buyers from southern Asia (details below).

Mexico and Brazil Eye Australian Food & Beverages (Parliamentary Secretary) 28 Sep 2005: Austrade assisted food and beverage related exports to Mexico and Brazil have doubled each year for the past two years due to increased opportunities for Australian companies, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Trade Senator Sandy Macdonald said today.