Export and Market Development Activities

Greek Maritime Mission

Economic Development facilitated a maritime industry trade mission to the Greek exhibition, Posidonia 2006 held in Athens in June. Posidonia is one of the world's most prestigious international shipping exhibitions.

Six Tasmanian companies participated in the mission, they were: Colbeck and Gunton, Fiomarine Industries, Liferaft Systems Australia, Asia Pacific Maritime Institute, Tasmanian Shipping Supplies and Taylor Brothers (Slipway and Engineering). For more information on the mission, contact Mark Warrener, Mark.Warrener@development.tas.gov.au.

Assistant General Manager George Chambers, Export and Market Development presents the winning Stormy Seas jacket to a worthy recipient, also pictured are Commercial Director, John Fiotakis, Fiomarine and Director Jeff Hawkins, Pivot Maritime International

Dr Luz Hawkins and Crissy Hawkins test Pivot Maritime's simulator at Posedonia 2006

Back to top

Wine Australia 2006

Seventeen Tasmanian vineyards participated in Wine Australia 2006, held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre in July. Wine Australia is a biennial event which this year showcased more than 350 vineyards and approximately 13,000 consumer, trade and media representatives. At the Tasmania stand - Tasmania: Cool Wine and Food - a range of cool climate wines were presented for tasting including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sparkling, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Schonburger. Tasmanian cheese and salmon was also offered on the stand to accompany the wine.

Tasmania hosted a number of national and international visitors on the stand including importers and trade visitors from Denmark, USA, Canada, Kuala Lumpur, Japan, Sweden, The Netherlands and United Kingdom.

Dr Andrew Pirie leads a Tasmanian wine tasting event at Wine Australia 2006

National and International visitors at the Tasmanian stand at Wine Australia 2006


Back to top

Export Awards Applications and Awards Dinner

The Tasmanian Export Awards are currently open and applications are being sought from all Tasmanian exporters. Applications close on 15 September 2006. For more information on the categories and how to enter, see the website.

The Tasmanian Export Awards Dinner will be held on 6 October 2006 at Wrest Point Hotel Casino in Hobart. All Tasmanian award winners will become finalists in the Australian Export Awards. For more information on the Awards Dinner and to purchase tickets, contact Ann Atkinson, Ann.Atkinson@development.tas.gov.au.

Back to top

Japanese Inward Buyer Delegation

A Japanese delegation led by Mr Kazumi Uchiyama, President of Maxvalu Tokai Co Ltd visited Tasmania in June. The mission aimed to progress opportunities for Tasmanian products to be supplied to the Maxvalu supermarket chain, with over 400 stores in Japan. The delegation met with a number of Tasmanian producers and also presented a donation of almost $30,000 to assist research into the Tasmanian Devil facial tumour disease.

Maxvalu delegation members attend a product briefing on Tasmanian wine, cheese and water


Back to top

USA and ANZATECH Conference Briefing

ANZA Technology Network presented a briefing on the United States Information and Communications Technology industry in Hobart in July. ANZA Technology Network, is an association of more than 4,000 executives that uses the power of networking to assist Australian and New Zealand ICT companies to successfully break into the US market. The briefing specifically addressed ANZA Technology Network's perceptions of the opportunity for Australian companies in the United States and what technologies were leading the way and currently generating most interest. The briefing was attended by Tasmanian companies already doing business in, or intending to export to the United States. For more information on the briefing contact Mark Warrener, Mark.Warrener@development.tas.gov.au.

Back to top

Wine for Asia 2006

Wine for Asia will be held in Singapore from November 2-4 2006. Austrade will be coordinating an Australian stand at the exhibition. This is the fourth year of the exhibition which is directed towards the Asian wine and spirits market. For more information on the show, see the website. For more information on the Australian stand, see the Austrade website.

Back to top

National Marine Safety Conference 2006

Economic Development is co-ordinating a Tasmanian Maritime Network grouping at the National Marine Safety Conference to be held in Surfers Paradise in September 2006. The conference, focused on safety in the water will attract a wide range of attendees including boat builders and designers; insurers and safety officers; marine administrators and legislators; and representatives from all national marine authorities.

Five companies have indicated they will participate in a Tasmania grouping at the exhibition component of the conference. For more information on the exhibition contact Mark Warrener, Mark.Warrener@development.tas.gov.au.

Back to top

ARTSingapore 2006

ARTSingapore is a visual arts event which will be held in Singapore from 28 September - 2 October 2006. The event is for both consumer and trade and is focused on attracting visitors from the Asian region. Austrade Singapore will showcase Australian art at ARTSingapore, this will be titled "Arts Australia". For more information on the event and participation, see the website.

Back to top

Exponaval 2006

Exponaval 2006 trade exhibition will be held in Chile in November. The Department of Defence is seeking interest from Australian defence companies that would like to be part of an Australian stand at the exhibition. Companies that are invited to participate should be promoting Australian products in the maritime and/or defence sector. For more information on the exhibition and participation, click here, or visit the website.

Back to top

Industry News

Bolt Seals Become Mandatory

All shipping containers being exported to the United States must now be sealed with a Bolt Seal. Containers arriving at United States ports without a bolt seal may be inspected, unpacked or even returned to the exporter at the exporter's expense. India, Taiwan and the port of Antwerp have also implemented the regulations, with other countries expected to follow. For those companies packing their own containers bolt seals must be used. For more information, contact your freight forwarder.

Back to top

Japanese Media Releases

Recent and current Japanese media releases issued to the Economic Development include -

• Import of Australian Apples to Expand
• Workshop on Confectionery Using Australian Macadamia Nuts

TDED Media Report 2 June 2006
TDED Media Report 16 June 2006
TDED Media Report 23 June 2006
TDED Media Report 28 July 2006

Back to top

Industry Opinion on Rules of Origin

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is seeking opinions from industry on rules of origin for Free Trade Agreements that are currently under negotiation. Currently agreements are being negotiated with Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, China and ASEAN countries. The rules of origin are crucial in the formulation of the Free Trade Agreements. For more information on the progress and to make a submission, see the website.

Back to top

United Arab Emirates Free Trade Agreement Update

The Gulf Co-operation Council has expressed interest in changing the Free Trade Agreement negotiations with Australia to include all countries in the Gulf Co-operation Council. The Gulf Co-operation Council includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. For more information on the current status of negotiations, see the website.

Back to top

Export Market Development Grants Legislative Changes and Applications

In June 2006, the Federal Government made a number of legislative changes to the Export Market Development Grants scheme. These changes included:

• Continue the Export Market Development Grants scheme until the end of 2010-11
• Increasing the amount of payments that can be claimed for overseas visits to $300 per day
• Provide flexibility for some applicants in regard to ownership of the product for export.

For more information on all changes, see the website.

Applications for the 2005-2006 grant year opened on 1 July 2006. Applications lodged before 30 September 2006 will receive their grant within four weeks. For more information, see the website.

Back to top

Japan Open to Tassie Apples

The Japanese Government has lifted importation restrictions on Tasmanian apple varieties. Previously Tasmanian growers could only export Fuji apples to Japan, the latest decision to allow the full range of fresh Tasmanian apples to be imported reinforces recognition of Tasmanian biosecurity practices. The presence of Codling Moth in Tasmania had previously been a barrier to the export of apples and cherries to Japan, with this now overcome by fumigation protocols, Tasmanian growers can look forward to increased exports to Japan.

Back to top

Strait Drinks Awarded International Medals

Strait Drinks, the Beauty Point based spirit producer was recently awarded two bronze medals at the International Wine and Spirit Competition in the United Kingdom. Medals were awarded for Strait Dry Gin and Strait Tasmania Native Pepperberry Vodka. Strait Vodka and its spirit and liqueur derivatives have been in production since April 2006. The International Wine and Spirit Competition is aimed at promoting quality and excellence of the world's best wines, spirits and liqueurs, achieved through professional blind tastings and detailed chemical and micro-biological analysis.

Back to top

EFIC Headway

Launched in July, new product Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC) Headway is a guarantee from EFIC to a bank. EFIC Headway is designed to provide small to medium enterprise exporter's security to a bank to enable the bank to lend additional funds to the exporter, these funds will not require additional security from the exporter. The product focuses on meeting the exporter's needs when faced with a working capital shortage during the growth phase of business. EFIC Headway is designed to support general export funding rather than specific transactions or contracts. EFIC Headway is available as an extension to most current banking facilities. For more information on EFIC Headway, see the website.

Back to top

Tasmania’s Wine Industry Receives Funding Boost

Wine Industry Tasmania (WIT) has been offered $900,000 through the Australian government’s Industry Cooperative Innovation Program.  WIT has received the funding to conduct advanced research and development and advisory programs to improve pinot noir and sparkling wine quality for the very-cool climate wine industry.  For more information on the grants, see the website.

Professional Development and Educational Opportunities

E-Business for Exporters Workshop

Economic Development is facilitating an E-Business for Exporters Workshop in Launceston on 5 September and in Hobart on 6 September 2006. The workshop will cover a range of topics including:

• Strategic e-business planning and action
• E-business language and concepts
• Good exporter websites - what to do, what not to do
• Online marketing tactics - how to drive traffic to your website
• Online trading issues such as online payment, security, privacy and spam

For more information on the workshop and to register contact Martin Turmine, Martin.Turmine@development.tas.gov.au.

Back to top

Skills Development for King Island Businesses

Senior Client Manager Martin Turmine recently visited King Island in conjunction with the department's Burnie Regional Office. The visit involved meeting with existing and potential exporters and conducting an introductory skills development workshop titled "Do You Want to Export?"
The half day introductory workshop targets businesses that are interested in knowing more about exporting. Topics covered included: Why export? How exporting differs from domestic sales transactions; Expertise and resources required for exporting; Market entry strategies; Assessing if a business is export ready or capable, Becoming a sustainable exporter and where new exporters can seek assistance. For more information on the visit and the workshop contact Martin Turmine, Martin.Turmine@development.tas.gov.au.

Collecting renowned King Island Bull Kelp, with the vast majority being for export to Scotland

Back to top

Lean Manufacturing Workshop

The Manufacturing Industry Council is holding a Lean Manufacturing Workshop in Hobart and Devonport in September 2006. The workshop will include:

• What lean manufacturing techniques are and how they can assist in reducing costs to fund growth
• Applying lean manufacturing techniques to your business
• Improving employee participation and enhance skills.

For more information on the workshop, see the attachment.

Back to top

2006 IMF - World Bank Group Seminars

The IMF Annual Meetings Program of Seminars is a global forum with representatives from 184 countries attending. The event will be held in Singapore from 16 - 18 September 2006. The event is targeted towards a number of different groups and will cover issues such as - Asia Rising - Myths and Realities; Trade and Investment; Capital Markets; Financial Sector in Emerging Markets and Emerging Capital Markets. For more information on the event and to register, see the website.

Back to top

E-Commerce in the United States

Austrade has released a brochure for Australian exporters addressing E-Commerce in the United States. The document covers a range of issues including US consumers' expectations and creating a web presence in the US, as well as practical advice and a checklist. To access the document, click on the link.

Back to top

Brief News and Other Opportunities

Exports to Indonesia

New regulations as of 1 July 2006 from Indonesia Customs and Carrier for imports into Indonesia demand that the export Bill of Lading must now show the harmonized tariff number. It is important to include the correct harmonized tariff number to avoid penalty. For more information, contact your freight forwarder.

Back to top

Travel Advisories

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade travel advisories are the Australian Government's advice to its citizens regarding the perceived travel risks and precautions that individuals should exercise. More information can be found on the website.

Back to top

Current Export Opportunities

Austrade receives many inquires about Australian products and services from its offices around the world. If you are interested in reviewing Austrade's active inquiry list, please visit the Austrade website.

Back to top

Australian Suppliers Database

For information on Australian suppliers across all industry sectors, the Austrade Suppliers Database provides a powerful search tool, to access the database click on the link.

Back to top

Summary Calendar of Events

2006/2007

Back to top