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Past media releases

Past Austrade media releases are displayed below.

Other trade-related media releases are available from the Minister for Trade, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC).

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

2007 media releases

Aussie food to entice American palates during the festive season (24 Dec 2007)

A selection of Australia’s finest foods will tempt American taste buds from coast to coast throughout their holiday season and into the New Year, during the supermarket promotions and Winter Fancy Food Show as part of G’Day USA: Australia Week 2008.

Aussie IT firms urged to partner with India (19 Dec 2007)

Austrade, the Australian Government’s export development agency, is encouraging local Australian IT companies to take advantage of the growing opportunities in India’s $18.5 billion IT market by attending the sub-continent’s most prestigious trade event, the annual NASSCOM India Leadership Forum.

Australian expertise helping provide safer rail systems in South Africa (13 Dec 2007)

Australian company, Rail Training International, has secured a $2.8 million dollar contract with South Africa’s largest railway company, TransNet, to provide its specialised driver training to help improve rail travel transport and safety.

Australian fashion talent delivering fresh styles to Irish retail icon (11 Dec 2007)

In a coup for Australian fashion, Irish upmarket department store Brown Thomas recently unveiled seven new Australian labels to be showcased in stores across Ireland. The prestigious Brown Thomas Group has held an iconic position in Irish retail scene since 1849, boasting an annual turnover of EU$330 million.

Austrade's Chief Economist outlines keys to economic prosperity (10 Dec 2007)

Tim Harcourt, Austrade’s Chief Economist, will outline why Australia is well positioned to compete globally going forward, how economic reform has assisted in elevating Australia and what its future key markets will be, at the University of Sydney’s inaugural United States Studies Centre National Summit 2007.

G'Day USA showcases the best of OZ across the United States (06 Dec 2007)

G’Day USA: Australia Week 2008 is back providing Australian businesses with unmatched opportunities to showcase their talents and products first-hand to the United States, opening greater export avenues at a range of events being held in Los Angeles and New York, 17-26 January, 2008.

Australia’s marine expertise on display in the US (28 Nov 2007)

Austrade is helping Australian marine businesses navigate the significant US$36 billion (A$41 billion) United States marine market by participating at this week’s International Workboat Show - North America’s largest commercial marine tradeshow (November 28-30).

Exporting to China is child’s play (27 Nov 2007)

China is already one of Australia’s top export destinations, but the market is about to get a whole lot bigger, with an ‘Olympic baby boom’ on the way, according to Austrade’s Chief Economist Tim Harcourt.

Awards recognise export success of Australian business (22 Nov 2007)

The winners of the 2007 Australian Export Awards were announced tonight in Brisbane before a high-profile business audience.

Australia shares mining expertise with India, Indonesia (22 Nov 2007)

Austrade will foster cooperation and boost collaboration between mining companies in Australia, India and Indonesia through a first-of-its-kind seminar to be held in Kolkata (India) tomorrow (Thursday, 22 November).

Aussie technology helps put the brakes on Mexican car theft (22 Nov 2007)

Austrade-assisted DataDot Mexico is providing a low-cost innovative security solution to help Mexico City’s law enforcement authorities win their battle against increasing car and motorcycle theft.

Australian businesses aim for an eagle in China’s golf market (21 Nov 2007)

Around one million Chinese are golfing fans, but with incomes on the rise, numbers are forecast to grow exponentially for some years to come, prompting Australian businesses to tackle the lucrative market by taking part in next year’s China Golf Show at Beijing.

Gourmet chocolate exports lead to Australia’s first commercial cocoa farm (16 Nov 2007)

Melbourne company Farm by Nature is winning over chocolate lovers from Europe and around the world, using a unique Australian innovation that adds real wine to chocolate to create the world’s first non-liqueur wine chocolates.

Russian business mobile users ‘text’ with Australian software (15 Nov 2007)

Australian desktop-to-mobile messaging specialist Red Oxygen is now providing text messaging software for Beeline, the second largest mobile phone operator in Russia, with 56 million subscribers.

Good news for exporters: 'Down Under' on top again (15 Nov 2007)

Exporters should take advantage of the international exposure and recognition afforded by Australia's number-one ranking for the second consecutive year in the annual Country Brand Index released this week, according to Austrade, the Australian Government’s export development agency.

Austrade helps raise business opportunities in Las Vegas (14 Nov 2007)

Austrade, the Australian Government’s export development agency, is helping Australian businesses play the right card to secure business success in the United States’ multi-billion gaming industry, by attending the largest trade-only expo which kicked off in Las Vegas this week.

Australian miners poised for increased success in Mexico (09 Nov 2007)

Australian companies are well placed to make further inroads into the burgeoning Mexican mining market with many of the twelve exhibitors reporting success, after participating at Austrade’s pavilion at Expomin 2007 – Latin America’s largest mining event.

Australian Export Awards finalists announced (07 Nov 2007)

Australian exporters who contributed a combined $11.6 billion to the economy and employed 38,500 people have been recognised in the 2007 Australian Export Awards.

Aussie fashion sashays into Indonesia (07 Nov 2007)

Australian high fashion will hit the catwalk in Jakarta today, as part of an ongoing promotional boost by Austrade, the Australian Government’s export development agency, following the huge success with Indonesian buyers at Rosemount Australia Fashion Week (RAFW) this year.

And they’re off! Melbourne Cup set to deliver export winners (05 Nov 2007)

Austrade, the Australian Government’s export development agency, says the Melbourne Cup and Spring Racing Carnival offer Australian exporters the opportunity to win significant export outcomes for Australia.

Australian health innovators look to Medica for European and global export success (01 Nov 2007)

Austrade, the Australian Government’s export development agency, will help our most innovative medical exporters showcase their products to buyers from more than 60 countries at Medica, to be held in Dusseldorf Germany between 14-17 November.

Fashion flair brings ‘La Dolce Vita’ Australian style to the Middle East (30 Oct 2007)

Austrade, the Australian Government’s Export Development agency, will showcase 10 of Australia’s most outstanding fashion talents at AusStyle Dubai 2007 (4-7 November), introducing leading Australian label collections to buyers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Jordan.

Indonesia's growth too important to ignore: Austrade (29 Oct 2007)

With economic growth approaching seven per cent and a consumer class bigger than the population of Australia, Indonesia is a market too large to be ignored, according to Austrade’s Jakarta-based Senior Trade Commissioner Rod Morehouse.

Singapore's love for Aussie wine tempts Asia (25 Oct 2007)

In a bid to promote Australian wine and boost exports into Asia, Australian wine producers will uncork their finest selection at the region’s biggest trade event in Singapore – Wine for Asia 2007 – this week (25 – 27 October).

Japan chooses Aussie technology over its own (23 Oct 2007)

With a twist on the old selling ice to Eskimos angle, Sydney-based Delkor Rail has won a significant contract to upgrade Japan’s railway lines despite Japan’s reputation for creating superior technology and its penchant for using local products.

Road show unlocks doors to lucrative US market (22 Oct 2007)

Local businesses across Australia will have the opportunity to learn innovative strategies to enter the multi-trillion dollar United States retail market and access a unique distribution method at a free nationwide road show organised by Austrade taking place from 22-26 October.

Malaysia rewards revolutionary Aussie technology (22 Oct 2007)

A Victorian ICT company has changed the cost equation for transport telecommunications and put driverless trains on the tracks of Malaysia’s light rail network with its original cutting edge technology, winning export deals worth millions.

Record Australian literati presence at world’s largest book fair (17 Oct 2007)

A record 69 Australian exhibitors participated in the world’s largest publishing industry trade fair, the Frankfurt Book Fair, held between 10-14 October.

Australia set to blitz China with exports (17 Oct 2007)

A huge blitz to raise the profile of Australia’s food and beverages in China by Austrade, the Australian Government’s export development agency, will be boosted by representation at Food Hospitality China 2007 (FHC).

Aussie companies export security solutions to the US (16 Oct 2007)

Austrade is helping Australian businesses export their innovative law enforcement products and services to the United States by showcasing their products at the world’s largest law enforcement exposition, the 114th annual International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), which kicked off in New Orleans this week.

Australian tastes to inspire palates at world’s largest food trade fair (11 Oct 2007)

A record number of 53 Australian food and beverage exhibitors will display their wares at Anuga 2007 in Germany (13-17 October), the world’s largest food and beverage trade fair.

Hard Hitter hits the mark in the US agricultural market (11 Oct 2007)

Queensland-based Ellis Equipment is reaping the seeds of success in the $260 billion United States farm market as demand for its Hard Hitter product range continues to grow, aided by participation at Austrade’s Australian pavilion at World Ag Expo over the past few years.

Exporters resilient even with a strong Aussie dollar (08 Oct 2007)

According to research by Austrade, the Australian Government’s export development agency, four out of five Australian businesses will still export and invest despite the Australian dollar hitting 23 year highs.

Aussie food to tempt American palates as Luke Mangan opens South (27 Sep 2007)

San Francisco’s discerning diners will be treated to Australian culinary delights by renowned Australian celebrity chef to the stars and top restaurateur, Luke Mangan with the opening of his first American restaurant, South Food and Wine Bar, on October 1.

Aussie fashion and design set to rule 'Cool Britannia' (26 Sep 2007)

Australia is leading the charge in culture and sophistication in London, one of the world's most exciting and trend-setting cities, with three events this week highlighting Australia's design and fashion strengths.

Austrade to reveal why Chile is the gateway to Latin America (26 Sep 2007)

New South Wales businesses will get the opportunity to learn directly from Austrade’s Trade Commissioner for Chile, Nigel Warren, why exporting to Chile is the gateway to entering the burgeoning Latin American market at free seminars in Sydney and the Hunter during NSW Small Business month.

Fine Food helps pave the way to entering the United States (25 Sep 2007)

As more than 250 international buyers brought by Austrade – the Australian Government’s export development agency – descend on Fine Food Australia, businesses can utilise the event as a pathway to entering the United States, the world’s largest food and beverage market valued at more than US$1 trillion (A$1.15 trillion) a year.

Austrade and ANZ announce new alliance (24 Sep 2007)

Austrade and ANZ today announced a new alliance, through Austrade’s ‘Corporate Partnerships’ program, that will increase assistance for Australian businesses seeking to start or expand their international business.

Australia’s food under the world’s spotlight today (24 Sep 2007)

Austrade has brought over 250 buyers from around the world to Fine Food Australia which gets underway at Darling Harbour today in an effort to boost export sales for around 800 Australian businesses participating in the event.

China’s freeway to Australia’s Fine Food (21 Sep 2007)

Austrade, the Australian Government’s export development agency will bring over 250 buyers from around the world to Fine Food Australia next Monday – and the most interest has been from China, with over 70 buyers attending.

Austrade experts lift the lid on booming markets close to home (19 Sep 2007)

NSW business wanting to succeed in some of Australia’s fastest growing export destinations – the $41 billion South East Asia, South Asia and Pac¬ific markets – can learn directly from the experts at a FREE NSW Small Business Month seminar series this week (details below).

Australian mining prowess on show at leading Latin American expo (17 Sep 2007)

Austrade, the Australian Government’s export development agency, has reinforced Australia’s mining status as a world leader with 36 leading Australian companies participating at Peru’s Extemin 2007 – one of Latin America’s largest mining trade shows.

Exporters benefit from Russian business contact during APEC Leaders Week (11 Sep 2007)

President Vladimir Putin’s historic visit to Australia during APEC Leaders Week, the first by a Russian head of state, has delivered a significant boost for Australia’s trade relationship with Russia.

Australia's world class resources sector draws major Indian delegation (04 Sep 2007)

The world's largest coal producer, Coal India Limited, is among the major international buyers brought by Austrade to Asia-Pacific's International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX) 2007 held in Sydney this week (4-7 September).

APEC delegation to boost economic ties with Russia (02 Sep 2007)

A high level delegation of leading Russian companies will visit in Australia as part of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s participation at APEC Leaders’ Week. Austrade’s Chief Economist Tim Harcourt said the arrival of the Russian President and business delegation comes at a time when Russian-Australian trade is experiencing unprecedented expansion.

Aussie exporters anticipate long-term business gains from APEC markets (31 Aug 2007)

Australian exporters anticipate increased business gains from trade with APEC member economies, according to new research from Austrade and DHL.

Australian firms quick to aid quake ravaged Peru (31 Aug 2007)

Australian companies operating in Peru have been quick to respond to Peruvian officials’ worldwide emergency request for aid, after its worst earthquake in 37 years decimated the south-east coast.

Japanese Government boosts trade ties with Sydney (29 Aug 2007)

In an effort to boost trade in Japan with Sydney businesses, the Japanese Government is funding a free seminar on 3rd October run by Austrade, the Australian Government’s export development agency (details below).

Soho dance palace Madame Jo Jo’s gets makeover by Australian design royalty (28 Aug 2007)

Madame Jo Jo’s, the internationally renowned nightclub in the heart of London’s West End, will be re-launched on 26 September with a comprehensive interior facelift featuring the unique wallpaper of Australian design’s grand doyenne, the late Florence Broadhurst.

Aussie businesses sold on Singapore Government Procurement market (27 Aug 2007)

The Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) has opened up unprecedented opportunities for the Australian businesses in Singapore’s $2.5 billion dollar government procurement market, according to Australian Government Minister for Trade, Warren Truss.

Export potential in North America’s other robust economy – Canada (27 Aug 2007)

Canada is offering significant export opportunities for Australian businesses, especially in the resources and infrastructure sectors, according to Austrade, the Australian Government’s export development agency.

North East Asia the place to be for NSW businesses (24 Aug 2007)

NSW businesses are invited by Austrade, the Australian Government’s export development agency to learn about the place to be - North East Asia – at a free Small Business Month September 2007 event (details below).

Australia’s top exporters in Melbourne (22 Aug 2007)

The Australian Export Awards program brings together some of Australia’s best business minds in Melbourne today to share their export insights and experience at the DHL Top Exporters’ Breakfast at Crown.

Australian medical innovation to star at Rugby World Cup (21 Aug 2007)

Some of Australia’s most innovative biomedical companies will showcase their products in Wales, the UK and France in September, during a Health and Medical Mission to be held as part of Austrade’s Business Club Australia – a unique business leveraging program creating international trade opportunities during the excitement of Rugby World Cup 2007.

International buyers take their shopping lists to AgQuip (20 Aug 2007)

Austrade, the Australian Government’s export development agency has brought more than 20 influential buyers from the United States, China and New Caledonia to AgQuip, the nation’s largest agricultural event.

Aussies selling ‘tinnies’ by the boatload to Russia (15 Aug 2007)

Australia’s largest builder of aluminium boats Telwater Pty Ltd is now shipping ‘tinnies’ by the container load to Russia, Europe’s largest emerging economy.

Austrade video targets net-savvy students (13 Aug 2007)

Net-savvy business students can now view some key points on how to secure export success on Austrade’s website where thirty video clips, covering a wide range of international business issues and market information are now available.

Aussies set to steal Berlin’s music limelight at Popkomm 2007 (13 Aug 2007)

A record number of Australians acts are set to make inroads in the European music scene at Berlin’s Popkomm Festival, one of the world’s premier music and entertainment trade events. Eight Australian acts will participate this year, including Adelaide’s hip hop pioneering trio the Hilltop Hoods.

Chinese go ‘hyper’ for Aussie food, beverages and lifestyle (07 Aug 2007)

China’s mass grocery retail sales are forecast to grow by 70 per cent to 2011, coinciding with the phenomenon of hypermarkets driving demand for a piece of the Australian lifestyle, including food and beverages, according to Austrade.

UniSA IBW aims to propel South Australian businesses globally (01 Aug 2007)

South Australian businesses in metropolitan and regional areas will have the opportunity to learn how to successfully start exporting or to expand their operations internationally by attending UniSA International Business Week 2007 (UniSA IBW) which runs from 6 to 17 August.

FTA with Chile to add zing to Australian exports (30 Jul 2007)

This week’s visit by Chilean Treasurer, Andrés Velasco to participate in the APEC Finance Ministers’ meeting and the opening of negotiations for an Australia-Chile free trade agreement (FTA), recently announced by Minister for Trade, Warren Truss, highlights the increasing opportunities available for Australian businesses in this growing Latin American market, according to Austrade’s Chief Economist, Tim Harcourt.

Jailhouse alternative rock: Heifer perform to the ‘Super Max’ following Popkomm success (27 Jul 2007)

Aussie alternative metal outfit Heifer are making inroads in the European music scene, following their participation in Popkomm in Berlin. Currently promoting their new CD "The Judas Belt”, Heifer has just completed three shows in maximum security prisons in Germany.

Resources not the only underground exports from the West (26 Jul 2007)

While Western Australia’s resources sector continues to drive exports, one company from the West is finding new markets for their “Black Gold” in the United States.

Australian flavours inspire world’s latest cuisine trend (19 Jul 2007)

Ingo Maass, Master Chef, author, and creator of New Arabian cuisine, is winning praise for a Dubai fusion of flavours that bridge Middle Eastern and Western tastes. And what are the secrets to Ingo’s success? An important part has been sourcing many of his ingredients from Australia to combine the best Aussie produce with centuries old Middle Eastern recipes and techniques. In fact, Maass has introduced more than 20 Australian products to Dubai.

Local businesses urged to consider exporting to South Korea (17 Jul 2007)

Many local businesses have products or services that could be exported to South Korea, according to Strathfield resident, Martin Walsh who will take up a new role in August as Austrade’s Seoul-based Senior Trade Commissioner.

More Aussies wanted in Japan (16 Jul 2007)

Now is a good time for Australian firms to consider sending an employee to work in Japan or to export goods/services to the world’s second biggest economy, according to Austrade, the Australian Government’s export development agency.

Aussies storming the Bastille: Surf wear, Seafood, Songs and Sport (13 Jul 2007)

As France celebrates Bastille Day, innovative Aussie companies are storming the gates of the country that has long been perceived as a closed market according to Austrade Chief Economist, Tim Harcourt.

Austrade and Ernst & Young expand partnership to help business succeed overseas (11 Jul 2007)

Austrade and professional services firm Ernst & Young today announced a new alliance, through Austrade’s ‘Corporate Partnerships’ program, that will increase assistance for Australian businesses seeking to start or expand their international business.

Austrade inspires APEC to include trade day for women (06 Jul 2007)

Future APEC Women Leaders Network meetings will now include a Women in Export Trade Day due to the outstanding success of last month’s inaugural trade day delivered by Austrade, the Australian Government’s trade development agency.

Austrade says: Export to China the largest growth market this century (05 Jul 2007)

With China predicted to soon occupy one third of global GDP, Austrade, the Australian Government’s export promotion agency said it is now imperative for Australian businesses to include China as part of any export strategy.

Uni promotes local export successes (04 Jul 2007)

Local businesses could soon be guided to export success by students that studied a new multimedia export resources program launched today (Wednesday, 4th July) at the University of Sunshine Coast.

Aussie cheese ‘creams’ it in South Korea (02 Jul 2007)

A change of menu for 420 Dunkin’ Donut stores in South Korea has resulted in a tenfold increase in cream cheese exports from Australia in the last three months.

Incat’s export prowess sets Australia (and Tassie) apart (30 Jun 2007)

Australia’s domination of the world fast ferry market has been secured as Incat today celebrates the naming and launch of the first of two of its multi-million dollar wave piercing catamarans it’s sold to Japan’s most experienced fast ferry operator.

Exporting women shatter glass ceiling (24 Jun 2007)

As women shatter the glass ceiling by creating thriving export enterprises, hundreds of leading female politicians, academics and business women from APEC economies will gather in Port Douglas today for Austrade’s Women in Export Trade Day.

China thirsts for Australian wine and travel experiences (21 Jun 2007)

Sales of Australian wine to China increased by eight per cent last year, coinciding with a jump in Chinese tourist numbers to over 300,000 in 2006 while China maintains its mantle as Australia’s second biggest export market after Japan.

Australian innovation to put smiles on the faces of disabled kids in California (14 Jun 2007)

The Liberty Swing, a world-first Australian innovation, is set to bring enjoyment to Californian children with the opening of the first swing in a major public park in the United States.

Biotech surge puts North East Asia on export radar (13 Jun 2007)

Tremendous growth in North East Asian biotechnology development and spending has prompted Austrade to encourage Australian businesses to capitalise and participate in key biotechnology related events this year.

Exporters cash in on Desert Boom (12 Jun 2007)

Selling ice to eskimos may seem a long shot but that’s a small challenge when you consider the ingenious Aussies selling sand to the desert nation of Saudi Arabia - with their next shipment due out this month.

Business Club Australia to transform local companies into global champions around Beijing 2008 Olympic Games (08 Jun 2007)

A new Business Club Australia program to transform local companies into global champions around Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

Bundaberg businesses encouraged to boost exports to the United States (04 Jun 2007)

Bundaberg businesses will learn what it takes to successfully do business in the multi-trillion dollar food and agribusiness sectors in the United States at a seminar being held in Bundaberg tomorrow.

I am woman: Austrade’s Trade Day leads into APEC meeting (04 Jun 2007)

With women fast becoming the new economic forces