Australia’s mining prowess shines at Expomin
Austrade media release
22 April 2010
Australia’s mining expertise and extensive involvement in Latin America’s mining sector was reinforced with more than 60 companies exhibiting as part of Austrade’s Australia pavilion at Expomin 2010.
Minister for Trade, Simon Crean, who visited Chile to strengthen trade and investment opportunities for Australia in mining, energy and clean energy, met with the Minister for Resources (Mining), the Minister for Agriculture and the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Minister Crean inaugurated the pavilion and noted the strong Australian presence at Expomin demonstrated Australia’s extensive involvement in Latin America’s mining sector and recognition of the opportunities present, especially in the services sector.
Austrade’s Santiago-based Senior Trade Commissioner for Latin America, Crispin Conroy, said Expomin is one of the largest mining trade shows in the world and the largest in the region.
“The extensive innovative products and solutions displayed by exhibitors from NSW, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia reinforced why Australian capabilities are highly regarded and successful in this region as they tend to offer unique solutions to issues facing the sector,” Mr Conroy said.
“Chile, Latin America’s largest and most sophisticated mining industry is increasingly being used as a springboard for Australian businesses looking to expand their business in other key markets in Latin America, including Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Mexico, and Argentina.
“Australia is also now the fourth largest foreign investor in the Chilean mining sector and an important market for Australian mining equipment, technology and services (METS) companies.
“There are more than 120 Australian companies actively trading with Chile, with 70 companies maintaining local offices,” Mr Conroy said.
Austrade’s Trade Commissioner for Peru and Latin American Mining Team leader, Dan Sullivan, said many of the exhibitors found participating in Expomin had helped enhance their market presence and would lead to increased opportunities.
“Local customers are aware of Australian quality and innovation and tell us they want more diversity than the offerings from North American or European suppliers,” Mr Sullivan said.
“This is because Latin America lacks the domestic supply capability that Australia offers and consequently there are incredible opportunities for Australian suppliers.
“That is why we are advising Australian companies to enter the Latin American mining market and establish a presence and grow with the region,” Mr Sullivan said.
Expomin 2010, held biennially, from April 13-15 attracted more than 45,000 trade visitors and over 800 exhibitors from over 2,500 companies and 35 countries, which covered all products and services used in mining.
Two-way trade of good and services between Australia and Chile was valued at nearly $1.3 billion in 2008-2009.
The Australia-Chile Free Trade Agreement, which commenced in March, last year has helped eliminate Chile's tariffs on almost 92 per cent of tariff lines covering 97 per cent of goods traded, including sustainable energy, coal, mining technology and services.
A proposed new tax treaty between Australia and Chile will also reduce tax-related barriers to trade and investment and provide certainty and stability for Australian and Chilean investors.
ENDS
Media contact
Sarkis Khoury, Senior Media Adviser, Ph: 02-9390-2118, M: 0414 401 072