Austrade media release
Tuesday, 10 June 2008
Austrade is leading a trade delegation to meet with industry experts and key decision makers across the United States, showcasing Australian expertise in water conservation and product development.
The trade mission, which commenced this week and concludes on June 18, consists of Australia’s most innovative companies with solutions in water management visiting many parts of the United States facing acute water resource challenges.
The participating delegation from across Australia includes: ANUE Environmental; Aquagenics; AquaSpy; Aquatain; Optimatics; Sentek; Waterwall; Yaktek Industries and the Water Industry Alliance.
Australia’s Senior Trade Commissioner in Washington DC, Alison McGuigan-Lewis, said that Australia is known throughout the world for its innovative technology and solutions in water conservation.
“Australia is the driest inhabited continent on earth, so we have had to develop significant expertise in all aspects of water conservation from manufacturing to systems integration, smart water technologies and consultancy,” Ms McGuigan-Lewis said.
“The delegation will visit areas heavily impacted by recent drought such as Atlanta (Georgia), Phoenix (Arizona) and meet with national water agencies and international development agencies in Washington DC, as industry and business seek new ways to manage their increasingly scare water resources.
“As a world leader in this field, Australian companies are already supplying the United States market with a wide array of high quality products and services including smart water sensors, grey water recycling systems, dual flush toilets and water optimization software,” she said.
Ms McGuigan-Lewis said the strong focus placed on this industry is evidenced by the fact that in 2007 more than US$2.9 billion was invested in water conservation by the US private sector and the US$23 billion Water Resources Development Act recently passed by the US federal government.
It is estimated that more than US$1 trillion will be required for water management, asset management and infrastructure rehabilitation, with industry seeking to reduce water usage through innovative clean technologies, creating many opportunities.
Mr Tom Mollenkopf, Chief Executive of the Australian Water Association, said the trade mission provided Australian businesses with an excellent opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities and innovative solutions to the US market.
“Globally, nations are seeking new ‘next generation’ technologies to ensure efficient and effective use and re-use of our most precious resource. Australia is well placed to assist the United States and other countries around the world facing water management challenges now and into the future,” Mr Mollenkopf said.
The Australian delegation will also assess venture capital opportunities in the United States and meet public sector decision makers from a range of cities, particularly in the southwest of the country.
The Australian Water Mission will visit Atlanta, Georgia (American Water Works Association Annual Conference) from 9-11 June; Washington DC from 11-13 June and Phoenix, Arizona from 16-18 June.
Austrade has a network devoted to the US market providing extensive support for Australian exporters with representation in 18 US cities, eight specialist industry teams and a network of US Export Advisers around Australia.
Alison McGuigan-Lewis, Austrade’s Washington DC-based Senior Trade Commissioner, is available for media interviews.
ENDS
Media contact
Sarkis Khoury
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For further news and information from the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) visit www.austrade.gov.au/mediacentre. |