Message from George Chambers
Deputy General Manager, Export and Investment Marketing
Department of Economic Development and Tourism
WELCOME TO OUR NEW SECRETARY – MARK KELLEHER
The Department of Economic Development and Tourism is pleased to
welcome its new Secretary, Mark Kelleher, who is due to start in late
May 2009.
Mr Kelleher has been Managing Director of renewable energy business Roaring 40s since 2004 and previously worked for more than a decade with Hydro Tasmania.
We look forward to working with Mark and drawing on his extensive international business experience.
Our business unit has recently taken on the department’s investment attraction promotion functions. This integration of export, trade and investment activities includes the addition of three new staff members Christine Lane, Stephen Durney and Anna Williams.
This move mirrors recent changes at the federal level where the activities of the former Invest Australia have been incorporated into the trade promotional role of Austrade.
The newly formed business unit, now known as Export and Investment Marketing (EIM), will continue to undertake all export and trade activities for the department as well as focus on investment tools, relationships and investment attraction promotion for the state of Tasmania.
If you would like to learn more about the investment attraction services provided by EIM, please contact Christine Lane on (03) 6233 5728 or at investintas@development.tas.gov.au
Export and Investment Marketing Activities
ICT Trade Mission, Hong Kong and China
9 – 18 May 2009
The unit is leading a trade mission to Hong Kong and China in May 2009 with a number of Tasmanian ICT companies. The mission is supported by Austrade and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council in preparing meeting schedules with prospective customers and partners for each of the participating companies. Initial positive response to participating in the mission has come from the following companies: The Learning Edge International, Etech Group, SConsulting and Roar Educate.
In addition to the preparation of business matching schedules the mission will include briefings on the ICT markets for software in Hong Kong and in China, a networking event to meet potential partners and customers, and a workshop opportunity in Shanghai to present enterprises’ product and service capabilities.
7 – 10 September 2009
Expressions of interest are currently being sought from Tasmanian food and beverage companies wishing to participate in exhibiting at Fine Food Australia in Sydney on 7 – 10 September 2009. This trade-only show features products for retail and food service industries.
The department will secure space and offer participating organisations a subsidised rate to exhibit under the Tasmanian banner, with the cost per organisation dependent on the amount of interest we receive. Additional support in the build up and during the exhibition will also be provided.
For more information on Fine Food Sydney please contact Fransina Barns on (03) 6233 5752 or email Fransina.Barns@development.tas.gov.au
Applications for the 2009 Tasmanian Export Awards are now open and applications are encouraged from companies and organisations that export products and services from Australia. Applications can be submitted for more than one category, allowing companies to increase their opportunities to be selected and recognised for their export success.
For more
detailed information on eligibility, judging criteria, tips from the
judges and to register and download the Tasmanian export award
application form visit
The Tasmanian Exporters Guide lists Tasmanian enterprises that are currently supplying international markets with Tasmanian products and/or services. The Guide is used as a reference point for buyer enquiries and to invite participation in trade and promotional activities. This free guide provides another web portal to market Tasmanian exporting enterprises. If your business is exporting please register at www.biztas.com.au/entrypoint/export
For more information or assistance please contact Kim McShane on (03) 6233 5828 or email Kim.Mcshane@development.tas.gov.au
Industry news
Josef Chromy OAM Wins Export Award Hero
We congratulate Josef Chromy OAM on his outstanding success and winning an Export Hero Award.
Josef Chromy at the 2008 Tasmanian Export Awards Gala Dinner
2009 National Restaurant Association Show, Chicago
16 – 19 May 2009
The 2009 National Restaurant Association Show (NRA) is the largest foodservice show in North America.
NRA 2008 attracted over 71 000 industry professionals from 115 countries and buyers from 92 per cent of the top 200 restaurant chains in the United States.
Austrade is seeking expressions of interest from innovative food and beverage companies who want to access the world’s largest consumer market. Companies are invited to participate as exhibitors within the Australian Pavilion at NRA.
For further information, click here.
Global Development Missions, US, Canada and Manila
May 2009
Austrade is hosting two key business missions spread across visits to the headquarters of the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank in Manila & Washington, the United Nations in New York and the Canadian International Development Agency in Ottawa.
Participate in either of these two missions to learn about and become involved in key global development projects.
For further information, click here.
Shanghai World Expo 2010, China
1 May – 31 October 2010
The Industry Capability Network (ICN) is currently seeking registration from businesses interested in becoming involved in supplying to the Australian Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo 2010.
For further information, click here.
In a recent media release, the Tasmanian Treasurer, Michael Aird, said Australian Bureau of Statistics figures released today (2 April 2009) show that overseas exports from Tasmania increased by 7.8 per cent to $3.74 billion in the year to February 2009.
“In these challenging economic times it is pleasing that Tasmanian exports are doing relatively well,” Mr Aird said.
To read more, please click here.
Tasmanian wasabi praised at Japanese food festival
A group of northern Tasmanian wasabi farmers has received acclaim for the product at a food festival in Japan.
The hydroponically grown wasabi was showcased at the Taste of Tokyo festival by Australian-born Japanese chef Tetsuya Wakuda.
Mr Wakuda, a leading Sydney chef, says he prefers the Tasmanian wasabi and is so impressed by the quality, he took it to the Taste of Tokyo.
To view the news story, click here.
Australian wine gets greater access to China, Hong Kong
Australia’s growing wine exports to China and Hong Kong will be strengthened with two new agreements to increase cooperation and promote trade, according to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke.
Mr Burke this week signed two memoranda of understanding on wine exports in Hong Kong and Beijing. He said the China agreement will establish a single point of contact to address market access issues such as certification and labelling.
For further information, click here.
Fiobuoy named in ‘SMART 100’ Index
Fiomarine's Fiobuoy has been named one of Australia’s 100 most innovative products, according to 1 600 maven judges in one of the largest and most audacious innovation awards of its kind in Australia – the ‘SMART 100’ Index.
A revolutionary breast cancer detection test has been named the most innovative product in Australia, heading a list of 100 innovative Australian products celebrated at Anthill Magazine’s inaugural ‘Smart 100’ Awards.
For further information, click here.
Click here to visit Anthill Magazine's website
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Tasmania Distillery sponsor for Three Peaks Race
Tasmanian Distillery sponsored one of Tasmania’s more competitive racing yachts, formally known as Asylum, now called Sullivan’s Cove Whisky. It is run by Dianne Barkas who is the only female skipper to win the race series. She (and the boat) participated in the Three Peaks Race over Easter.
For further information, follow the links:
http://www.tasmaniadistillery.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=21&Itemid=74
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Local Tasmanian company Multi-ed Australia celebrated the launch of its new name and company direction at a recent function held at the Henry Jones Art Hotel in Hobart.
Michael Field AO, Chairman of the Tasmanian Innovations Advisory Board gave the keynote address. Michael spoke of the importance that innovation plays in a state such as Tasmania and how critical this becomes in tougher economic times.
The launch was attended by a number of local business and community leaders, interstate guests, and the chairman of Multi-ed, Steve Gray who is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Multi-ed creates, hosts and delivers multimedia content and is the local Tasmanian business which collaborated with the Australian Red Cross to develop the world first CPR animation downloadable to mobile phones. Colin Evans Multi-ed Managing Director spoke of how the company’s direction and business model had turned dramatically since the launch of the CPR application to developing bespoke multimedia for a diverse range of companies and organizations. Multi-ed’s technologies now enable bite-sized information and education applications to be delivered to mobile phones across the world.
Multi-ed are located in Hobart, Malaysia, Singapore and the United Kingdom. They can be contacted in Australia at Toll Free 1300 685 640 or +61 3 6224 7325 or at info@multi-ed.com
Steve Gray, Colin Evans and Michael Field
Austal Tasmania launches police vessel
Austal’s Tasmanian shipyard has launched the first of three 22 metre catamaran police boats being built for the Queensland Police Service.
The launch is the latest milestone for the Tasmanian shipyard – one of Austal’s four Australian facilities – which last September delivered two 47.5 metre high speed catamaran ferries to Hong Kong operator New World First Ferry (NWFF). Since being purchased by Austal in 2007 the facility has grown from 40 staff to more than 130.
Andrew Bellamy, Austal Director – Global Sales and Marketing , said smaller auxiliary platforms like those being built at the company’s Tasmanian facility were an important part of modern maritime security efforts.
“The benefits of lightweight aluminium construction technology in smaller patrol and police platforms – such as significantly lower operating costs – are becoming increasingly relevant to police forces and navies worldwide,” said Mr Bellamy.
For further information, click here.
Josef Chromy OAM awarded ‘Best Wine of Competition’
At the 27th Sydney International Wine Competition 2009 ‐ the only major International Wine Show to be judged with food, Tasmanian winemaker Josef Chromy OAM was awarded ‘Best Wine of Competition’ for the Josef Chromy 2007 Botrytis Riesling.
Josef has been instrumental in the development of the Tasmanian wine industry having owned and developed some of the state’s leading wineries including Rochecombe (now Bay of Fires), Jansz, Heemskerk and Tamar Ridge. Josef was in attendance at the presentation with Jeremy Dineen his Chief Winemaker who said: “this is a proud moment for Joe and testament to our dedication to the quality of wines coming out of the Estate.”
For further information, click here.
Tasmanian trophy winner amongst Champagnes
 | Jansz Tasmania Cuvée 2004 has stared down no fewer than 18 entrants from la belle France to claim ‘Best Sparkling Marne et Champagne Perpetual’ trophy at the 2009 Sydney International, the first time ever an Australian has beaten the French for the prize. Jansz 2004 completed the hat trick with ‘Blue-Gold Award’ and ‘Australia Day Wine of the Year’ trophy. We have been savouring and extolling the virtues of this beautiful sparkler since its inaugural release. Whilst it may startle Aussies to see Tasmanian wines being adjudicated on a par with Champagne, it is no surprise to the French, who have been developing vineyards on the ‘Apple Isle’ for years. For further information, click here. |
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Australia-Indonesia joint study on free trade agreement completed
Australia and Indonesia have completed a joint feasibility study on the merits of a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA). The study, which includes an independent economic modelling component, examines the potential impact on Australia and Indonesia, including implications for economic growth, trade, investment, commercial linkages and competitiveness.
The study and modelling component are both now available for download by clicking here.
Australia’s trade by state and territory
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has released its annual analysis of international trade for each of the states and territories. Australia’s Trade by State and Territory 2007-08 provides a complete statistical guide to exports and imports of goods and services for every state and territory on a financial year basis and is available free on the DFAT website here.
Professional Development and Educational Opportunities
e-Business for Exporters Workshops
1-3 July 2009
Export and Investment Marketing, in conjunction with Austrade, is running a series of e-Business workshops across the state in July. Titled e-Business for Exporters these full-day workshops will assist businesses to boost international sales through their website. The workshops are broken into three key parts:
- The Planning Stage, which gives an overview of the current internet market, investigates e-Business concepts and e-Business planning, and looks at keyword research.
- The Develop/Build Stage, which looks at the key elements of building an effective web site, including building credibility, facilitating use and encouraging re-visits and on-line purchases.
- Marketing, which looks at Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), email marketing and measuring success.
There will also be the opportunity to review individual businesses’ web sites. The workshops will be presented by David Turner, Austrade e-Business Advisor based in Sydney. David is an e-Business specialist with a particular focus on the use of web technologies for the empowerment and profit of business. David has over ten years industry experience and has consulted to hundreds of Australian businesses, from all industries, on their web strategies.
Dates and locations are:
- Wednesday, 1 July 2009 - Burnie (Bayviews Restaurant & Function Centre)
8.45am – 5.00pm
- Thursday, 2 July 2009 - Launceston (Tramshed Function Centre)
8.45am – 5.00pm
- Friday, 3 July 2009 - Hobart (Tasmanian Technopark)
8.45am – 5.00pm
**NOTE: Cost is $55 per participant (inc. GST). Limit of two participants per business.
For further information on these workshops, or to register your interest in attending, please contact Caleb Wright on (03) 6336 2263 or email Caleb.Wright@development.tas.gov.au
Brief News and Other Opportunities
Market Ready Commercialisation Program
Applications invited.
Are you a Tasmanian business with an innovative product, process or service that is ready for commercialisation? Are you looking at exporting your innovation to offshore markets and seeking long-term growth? Improve your skills by attending the Market Ready Commercialisation Program delivered by experienced business consultants.
The program covers a wide range of topics such as intellectual property protection, financial forecasting, investment attraction, marketing and e-commerce. Participation in the program is through a competitive pre-selection process.
When: 10 days over a three-month period from August – October 09
Where: Hobart
Cost: FREE for Tasmanian innovative businesses (valued in excess of $5 000)
Applications and Further Information
Phone: 03 6233 5590
Email: David.Chen@development.tas.gov.au
Web:
Recent and current Japanese media releases issued to the Department of Economic Development and Tourism include:
- 17MT Tasmanian Cherries Imported Without Fumigation
- Asahi Breweries Inks Final Accord To Acquire Schweppes Australia
- Hakubaku to manage own wheat crop in NSW
- Aeon, DoCoMo Set To Turn Smart Phones Into Marketing Tools
- Sumitomo Getting Into Power Generation Down Under
- Tasmanian Wine and Oyster Matching at the Australian Embassy
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) travel advisories are the Australian Government’s advice to its citizens regarding the perceived travel risks and precautions that individuals should exercise. For further information please visit www.dfat.gov.au
Summary Calendar of Events
| Event | Dates | Contact |
| Savour Tasmania (culinary event) | 27 – 31 May 2009 | |
| Restaurant 09 – Melbourne | 17– 18 June 2009 | |
| Tasmania Unbottled – Melbourne | 4 August 2009 | |
| Tasmania Unbottled – Sydney | 11 August 2009 | |
| Tasmania Unbottled – Brisbane | 13 August 2009 | |
| Asia Fruit Logistica – Hong Kong | 2 – 4 September 2009 | |
| Whisky Live Sydney | 4 – 6 September 2009 | |
| Fine Food Sydney | 7 – 10 September 2009 | |
| Tasmanian 2009 Export Awards Gala Presentation | 16 October 2009 | |
| Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Fair | 4– 6 November 2009 | |
| International Workboat – New Orleans | 2 – 4 December 2009 |
22 Elizabeth Street, Hobart, 7000
Phone: +61 3 6233 5888
Email:
Web: