Aussie IT firms urged to look to Asia Pacific

Austrade media release

15 June 2009

Steady increase in technology spending among Asian companies despite the global economic downturn is creating ongoing opportunities for Australian IT firms, according to Austrade. 

Austrade’s Regional Director for South East Asia, South Asia and the Pacific, David Twine said IT businesses, particularly start ups, looking to navigate the downturn, should capitalise on the opportunities close to home.

“The good news is emerging economies in the Asia Pacific are continuing to invest in technology. Although IT spending in the region (Asia Pacific excluding Japan) is down from last year, it is still expected to grow by 5.8 per cent to nearly US$196 billion this year*,” he said.

A recent IDC survey of 1,645 Asia Pacific companies indicated that over the next 18 months, more than 30 per cent of companies in the region intend to increase spending on software with only six per cent planning reductions.

Mr Twine said, “Asia Pacific businesses are well placed to navigate the downturn or recover faster due to the region’s robust economic growth over the past decade.

“To remain competitive, more local businesses are investing in ICT projects that are critical to achieving productivity gains and long term growth. Economic stimulus plans announced by Governments in the region are generating new prospects.

“A number of companies in the region are also looking to invest or partner with Australian firms to develop new technology, deliver global sales and access third markets,” he said.

Austrade will help Australian ICT firms harness these opportunities by representation in the region’s largest industry event–CommunicAsia 2009–to be held in Singapore next week (12-16 June). 

This year, 44 Australian companies will showcase their innovation at the event.

Mr Twine said CommunicAsia was an integral part of Austrade’s strategy to boost Australia’s ICT exports to the region.

“The Asia Pacific includes Australia’s biggest export markets for IT goods and services–New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan.

“South East Asia is also a major export destination. In 2007-08, Australian ICT exports to ASEAN member countries reached $505 million, a 21 per cent increase from the previous year.

“The recent ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) is expected to further enhance market opportunities when it comes into effect early next year,” he said.

Austrade’s Singapore-based Trade Commissioner, Julianne Merriman said, “Australian companies enjoy a strong reputation for innovation, specialisation in niche technologies and quality of service around the Asia Pacific.

“There are opportunities for the Australian IT industry in telecommunications, broadband and wireless, mobile services, eLearning, eSecurity, eGovernment, intelligent transport systems and digital content.

“Other areas of focus include business intelligence, enterprise applications such as ERP (enterprise resource planning) and CRM (customer relationship management),” she said.

Last year, CommunicAsia attracted over 47,000 international trade visitors from over 100 countries.

CommunicAsia showcases the latest trends in the ICT industry to key decision makers from the Asia Pacific.

Australian exhibitors will the opportunity meet and network directly with top buyers and systems integrators in the region.

Austrade will also bring international buyers from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam to maximise prospects for Australian firms.

Participating Australian firms:

RFS Australia; ADC Krone Australia; Broadcast Australia; Editshare; IRT Electronics; Total Radiation Solutions; 3ivx Technologies; C-COR Broadband; Card Access Services; Multi Vendor Support Services ; Qpay; Australian Satellite Communications; Catapult eLearning; Codan Limited; Core Medical Solutions; Digislide; Institute for  Telecommunications Research; University of South Australia; MEGA 10; SRA Information Technology; VersaDev; ICS Industries; IntelliGuard IT; Mostyle; VastPark; Wirelessworx; Argus Technologies Australia; Gigasat Asia Pacific; Lightning Protection International; Netcomm Limited; Oasis Systems; Radio Frequency Systems Australia; Strategic Path Publishing; AFC Group; BEpoz Retail Solutions; Celemetrix Australia; CommsForce; Diamond Australia; Era Publications; Fonality; Kingfisher International; MComms TV; Resolve Software; Senko Advanced Components Australia; SMSGlobal 

ENDS

*IDC, December 2008

David Twine, Julianne Merriman and participating IT firms available for interviews.

Media contact

Purnima Ganapathy
Senior Media Adviser
Tel: (02) 9390 2319
Mobile: 0419 127 577
Email: Purnima.Ganapathy@austrade.gov.au

For further news and information from the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) visit www.austrade.gov.au//mediacentre.

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