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Defence Services Asia 2010 – Roadshow, Austrade Offices
13 March 2009

This March, senior management from Defence Worldwide Associates and the Malaysian Defence Services Asia team will be visiting a number of Australian states including Tasmania to discuss the upcoming DSA 2010 event which is being held in Kuala Lumpur (KL).

The head of this team and key speaker is Ms Susan Dyar who is also the head of Defence Services Asia (DSA 2010 in KL).  Ms Dyar manages a variety of shows from Defence to ICT around the world.  She will provide an overview of how to display your products and services to international markets.

The Defence Services Asia team with in-country Austrade - KL are offering their full support to all Australian companies attending DSA 2010 event and will be working closely with other state trade delegations, business councils and chambers of commerce to ensure all those involved will have maximum assistance to achieve desired outcomes.  

If you would like more information or to register your interest in attending please contact Kim McShane on (03) 6233 5828 or email Kim.Mcshane@development.tas.gov.au.

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Restaurant 09, Melbourne
17-18 June 2009

Change of Date
Restaurant 09 has now been moved to 17 - 18 June 2009.

Expressions of interest are currently being sought from Tasmanian food and beverage companies wishing to exhibit at Restaurant 09 in Melbourne. Economic Development will be organising a Tasmanian stand with subsidised exhibition fees.

This national trade show is aimed specifically at the owners, restaurateurs, head chefs, sommeliers, general manager and maitre d’s of Australia’s leading restaurants, cafes, hotel restaurants and bars to source new and alternative suppliers to improve their business. For more information please contact Fransina Barns on (03) 6233 5752 or email Fransina.Barns@development.tas.gov.au.

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The 7^th Natural Products Expo, Hong Kong

27-29 August 2009

The Natural Products Expo to be held in Hong Kong from 27-29 August 2009 is considered to be the ultimate sourcing show for natural, organic and health products. The location in Hong Kong maximizes business opportunities throughout the Asia Pacific region.  Economic Development is considering supporting a grouping of Tasmanian enterprises at this exhibition should there be enough industry interest. 

Full details of the exhibition can be found at www.naturalproductsasia.com. If your business has an interest to participate at this exhibition please register your interest with Kim McShane on (03) 6233 5828 or email Kim.Mcshane@development.tas.gov.au.

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MaxValu Tokai Delegation Visit
December 2008

A delegation of vegetable and seafood buyers from MaxValu Tokai, part of the AEON Group and Japan’s largest retail conglomerate, visited Tasmania in early December 2008.  During the visit the delegation met with representatives from Harvest Moon, Petuna Seafoods, Premium Fresh Tasmania, Tashimi Fish, Australian Honey Products, Truffles Australis, Spring Bay Scallops, Cherry Isle Tasmania and Reid Fruits.

MaxValu Tokai were instrumental in coordinating a promotional fair in December aimed at promoting Tasmanian Cherries (Sato Nishiki variety), which was branded as ‘Yamato Nadeshiko’. An increase of sales in Japan during this season has been reported, partly due to no fumigation being required which made the quality of cherries much better, the lower retail price thanks to the favourable exchange rate, and the diversification of packaging size.  

For further information on MaxValu Tokai, please contact Mark Warrener on (03) 6233 5879 or email Mark.Warrener@development.tas.gov.au.

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British Education Technology Transfer 2009 (BETT 2009)
January 2009

BETT is the world’s leading educational information and communications technology event that attracts 600 educational suppliers and over 30 000 visitors each year from the global teaching and learning community. Four of Tasmania’s leading e-Learning enterprises: Etech Group, The Learning Edge International, Getbusi and Roar Educate exhibited at the 2009 event that was held over four days from 14 – 17 January 2009 in London.

In an effort to continue its marketing support of the Tasmanian e-Learning industry, particularly in the development of the UK market, Economic Development coordinated two on-stand networking events, which also featured Tasmanian white and red wine supplied by Tamar Ridge Wines.

For further information on BETT 2009, please contact Mark Warrener on (03) 6233 5879 or email Mark.Warrener@development.tas.gov.au.

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Industry News

EFIC Global Readiness Index

EFIC’s annual Global Readiness index (GRi) researches the current drivers, decision-making processes, risks and barriers that exporters and offshore investors encounter in an increasingly globalised and, at times, uncertain business world.

This unique study will provide Australian businesses with a comprehensive picture of the opportunities and challenges on the path to participating in today’s global supply chains. It will also compare results with those from the 2008 survey, and is expected to show some interesting insights as a result of the current global economic uncertainty.

By participating, you will benefit by receiving a customised benchmark report which will allow you to compare your export models against others on a state and national level, and within your industry peer groups. 

You will also receive a copy of the full research results and commentary in April 2009.

To participate in the 2009 EFIC GRi visit http://www.efic.gov.au/gri/developmenttas. For more information on the 2008 results please visit www.efic.gov.au/gri.

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International Agriculture Machinery Exhibition 2009, Jiangsu – China
7 – 11 April 2009

AGMA CHINA is a leading agricultural machinery biennial event in China, hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, P.R.China and People’s Government of Jiangsu Province.  Now in its fifth year, the exhibition has established a reputation for its wide-ranging programs, quality exhibitors and trade visitors.

Austrade have formed a package for companies that are interested in participating, with applications to be made to Austrade before 10 March 2009.
 

For further information, follow this link.

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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 and the premier international marketplace for the restaurant and hospitality industry.

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. Businesses are invited to participate as exhibitors within the Australian Pavilion at NRA 2009.

For further information, click here.

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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 a summary on each event, and details on programs, eligible participants and market opportunities visit:

Global Development Mission to the US & Canada (4-12 May 2009)
Apply by Friday 27 February 2009:www.austrade.gov.au/GlobalMission09

Australian Consulting Services Mission to Manila (4-6 March 2009)
Reminder – Applications close this Friday 13 February:

 www.austrade.gov.au/ADB09

For further information, follow this link: http://austradeevents.sites.optin.com.au/readcamp.rsp?rin=2ag613902-16575590&campaign=0aa

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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 the Australian Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo 2010.

For further information, follow this link.

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Economy Slows Tasmanian Exports

According to Treasurer Michael Aird, the fall in the value of overseas merchandise exports from Tasmania in the year to December 2008 was further evidence that the global economic crisis was starting to have an impact on the State.

ABS figures show that merchandise exports had eased by 1.4 per cent to $3.7 billion in the 12-month period.

To view media release, follow link: http://www.media.tas.gov.au/release.php?id=25875

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Roar – Finalist for the 2009 BETT Awards

Roar has been selected as a finalist for the 2009 BETT Awards, the prestigious British educational technology awards.  Roar was short-listed for its education module Us Online, a suite of web-based student activities about staying safe and being a good citizen online, developed for the London Grid for Learning (LGfL).  

For further information on the 2009 BETT Awards, please contact Mark Warrener on (03) 6233 5879 or email Mark.Warrener@development.tas.gov.au.

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Spring Bay Seafoods Pty Ltd Achieves Prestigious Global Market Recognition

Spring Bay Seafoods has been awarded accreditation as a Friend of the Sea after it went through a comprehensive audit late in 2008. Friend of the Sea is a registered non-profit, non-government organisation established to conserve marine habitat and resources through market incentives and specific conservation projects.

The Minister for Primary Industries and Water, David Llewellyn congratulated Spring Bay Seafoods.

“It is the world’s most recognised aquaculture sustainability standard. Spring Bay Seafoods is the first Tasmanian company to be certified as a Friend of the Sea and is only the second in Australia to achieve this status,” Mr Llewellyn said.

To view media release, follow link: http://www.media.tas.gov.au/release.php?id=25773

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Port of Melbourne Commits to Tasmanian Market

The Port of Melbourne Corporation, Australian largest container and general cargo port, has opened a dedicated office in Tasmania to facilitate trade across the Bass Strait.

To view media release, follow this link.

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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 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 at: http://www.dfat.gov.au/publications/stats-pubs/trade_state_and_territory.html

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Austrade’s US Food and Wine Newsletter

For comprehensive information concerning the US food industry, from facts and figures to developing trends, check out Austrade’s US Food and Wine Newsletter. The newsletter aims to keep you abreast of the latest shifts in the marketplace so that you might better position your business model to take advantage of these changes. 

Check out the latest newsletter, click here.

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Professional Development and Education Opportunities 

The Brand Lab – a branding workshop, Hobart
4 March 2009

There are still some spaces available for the one-day branding workshop being held in Hobart. The Brand Lab workshop, delivered by Brandbuilders, will advise businesses how to build sustainable competitive advantage through brand design and development. Participants will be coached through a range of exercises that provide hands-on experience in developing and working with your own brand.

Date and location:

·                Tuesday 4 March 2009 – Hobart (Moorilla Estate, Berriedale),

8.45am – 4.30pm

Please note the Launceston workshop scheduled for the 3 March 2009 is now full. Please register your interest for any future branding workshops in Launceston, should they arise.

For further information on these seminars please email Caleb.Wright@development.tas.gov.au.

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Beyond the Financial Crisis Briefing, Hobart

4 March 2009

Australia and its key trading partners are facing some of the most challenging economic times seen in many decades. Closer engagement with international markets will help see Australia through the current downturn and build prosperity past the resources boom.

Attend a free briefing

These briefings will harness the combined expertise of Austrade and the Export Finance Insurance Corporation (EFIC) to help you meet current challenges, take advantage of opportunities as they arise and grow your business over the longer term.  Hear an informed and forward-looking position on the current global economic climate from the Australian Government’s international trade and investment specialists. 

Stay informed, hear from Austrade and EFIC

Some of Austrade’s most senior international staff will offer local perspectives into what’s happening on the ground in Asia, the US, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. They will examine issues facing a wide range of industries, revealing up-to-date insights into shifting global business conditions and highlighting myths about doing business in the current climate.   Today’s tighter global credit market also means that exporters must address fundamental financial issues such as funding export production and getting paid.

EFIC will provide insight and pragmatic tips on securing working capital and increasing certainty of payment from international buyers.

Registrations close Friday 27 February 2009

This is a critical time to prepare for the longer term, to build or maintain your competitive advantage, and to stay informed.

This event is free to attend as it has been subsidised by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

For further information, follow link:

http://austradeevents.sites.optin.com.au/readcamp.rsp?rin=S2ag00-236&campaign=0a5

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Winning Business with India and South Asia Seminar, Hobart

20 March 2009

During these challenging times, India & South Asia can offer export and investment opportunities. Whether you’ve attended previously or are attending for the first time – make sure you are on the invitation list, visit www.austrade.gov.au/IndiaSouthAsia09.

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Do you want to Export?
24 and 31 March 2009

Economic Development is holding a series of introductory workshops in Hobart and Launceston in March 2009, titled Do You Want to Export?  

The session topics include:

·                why export

·                how exporting differs from a domestic sales transaction

·                assessment of your product or service to determine if it is suitable for international markets

·                what expertise and resources are required for exporting

·                possible methods for exporting

·                the next steps to becoming a sustainable exporter.

Dates and locations are:

·                Tuesday 24 March 2009 – Hobart (Technopark, Glenorchy),

                                                 9.00am – 2.00pm

·                Tuesday 31 March 2009 – Launceston (Tramshed, Inveresk),

                                                 9.00am – 2.00pm.

For further information on these seminars please contact either Martin Turmine: email Martin.Turmine@development.tas.gov.au; or Caleb Wright: email Caleb.Wright@development.tas.gov.au.

VIEW PDF Registration Forms here. 

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Women in Global Business Seminar, Hobart
1 April 2009

Austrade and Westpac invite you to take part in this highly popular seminar series focused on women in export and international business. These seminars are run as part of Austrade’s broader Women in Export program - aimed at female business owners/operators and corporate women with an international focus.

Date and location

Hobart - Wednesday 1 April 2009

Ritz Room, Hadleys Hotel, 34 Murray Street, Hobart

9:00am registration for 9:30am start - 12:00pm

For further information, follow this link.

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Brief News and Other Opportunities 

Japanese Media Releases

Recent and current Japanese media releases issued to the Department of Economic Development and Tourism include:

·         Sapporo Produces Special Beer Using Australian Malt

·         Seiyu to Consider M&A Deals With Other Domestic Retailers

·         Beer Market To Dry Up Further In ‘09

·         Cherries from Tasmanian Island Available – Maxvalu Tokai

·         Mitsui Engineering, Showa Denko To Sell Eco-Friendly Materials

·         Aeon, FamilyMart To Team On E-Money, Explore Further Ties

·         Kirin Shifting M&A Focus To Asia

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Travel Advisories

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.

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Tasmanian Sports Awards Gala Dinner

The Tasmanian Sports Awards Gala Dinner is the state’s most prestigious sports awards event. It is an annual celebration of our outstanding of Tasmanian athletes and the innovation and excellence of the state’s sport and recreation sector.

Event Details

§  Friday 13 March 2009

§  Tasman Room, Wrest Point, Sandy Bay

§  Arrive 6.30 pm for 7 pm

§  Black tie/formal

Ø  Special guests Tim Lane and comedian Tom Gleeson

Ticket Prices

General Public

After 18 February - $100 each, $950 for a full table of ten

Book Tickets and Enquiries

Contact the Tasmanian Institute of Sport 03 6336 2202

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Managing Waste in a Changing Climate Conference, Launceston
4 – 6 March 2009

The Tasmanian Department of Economic Development & Tourism, with support from Waste Management Association of Australia (WMAA), would like to extend their invitation to attend the Managing Waste in a Changing Climate Conference & Exhibition in Launceston from 4 to 6 March, 2009.

The event will include a range of international, national and local speakers and will look at best practice, the implications of waste management for climate change, behavioural change, barriers to improved waste management in Tasmania, innovation and commercialisation, industry initiatives, lean manufacturing and value chain management, the implications and role for local government, waste management in small island communities, and a host of other interesting topics.

For further information, follow link: http://www.taswasteandclimatechange.com.au/

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Summary Calendar Of Events

2009