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December 2004
Tasmanian exporters should feel very proud of their efforts during 2004, particularly Muir Engineering Pty Ltd which won the 2004 Australian Export Award for Small to Medium Manufacturers. We congratulate Muir Engineering on this national achievement as we do all other Tasmanian finalists in the Australian Export Awards. Like most years, 2004 presented many challenges for our exporting enterprises, not the least a relatively highly valued Australian dollar. I am pleased to report that Tasmanian companies were up to the challenge and responded with innovation and commitment. This year we have seen increased food and beverage exports to South-East Asian supermarkets and the food service sector in Dubai. The IT sector has achieved excellent results in New Zealand and the UK and the services sector continues to grow new markets in India and South America. Our manufacturers have grown their markets in South Africa and New Zealand and developed new markets in North and South-East Asia. The Department of Economic Development’s Export and Market Development team would like to thank those that have supported our activities during the year and we look forward to assisting even more Tasmanian enterprises with their export objectives during 2005. We extend to you our season greetings and our desire for a prosperous 2005.
EXPORT AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES Minister for Economic Development Lara Giddings represented the Premier at the annual Australian Export Awards presentation at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Broadbeach, Queensland on 9 December 2004. Congratulations to Muir Engineering Pty Ltd, which won the Australian category of Small to Medium Manufacturer Award. Trade Minister Mark Vaile presented Muir Engineering Pty Ltd with their awards, acknowledging the Tasmanian company as a world leader in the design and manufacture of stylish, superior performing anchoring systems and windlasses for pleasure craft, commercial vessels and super yachts, all of which are standing proudly on decks of yachts all over the globe. Ten Tasmanian finalists progressed to the national level by winning their state category and they were:
This year’s Tasmanian stand at Wine Australia showcased several Tasmanian wineries that won trophies at the recent Royal Hobart Wine show including Best Sparkling - Bay of Fires, Best Tasmanian White Wine – Meadowbank Wines and Most Successful Tasmanian Exhibitor – Tamar Ridge Wines. The Department of Economic Development sponsored the Tasmanian stand and, in conjunction with the Vineyards Association of Tasmania, coordinated the event for the 13 Tasmanian wineries. They were Apsley Gorge Vineyard, Dalrymple Vineyards, Grey Sands Vineyard, Jansz Tasmania, Meadowbank Wines, Kreglinger Wine Estates (Tasmania), Tamar Ridge Wines, Bay of Fires Wines, Moorilla Estate, Panorama Vineyard, Stefano Lubiana Wines, Pirie Consulting and Providence Vineyard. The stand was branded Tasmania: Cool Wine and Food and presented the state’s cool climate wines. Visitors to the Tasmanian stand were able to taste Tasmanian gourmet food products including Tasea Enterprises’ oysters, Lenah Game Meat’s wallaby and Quail and Petuna ocean trout. Lactos provided samples of its range of cheeses and Hartz International supplied mineral water to refresh the pallets of visitors between tastings. Tasmania’s presence at Wine Australia 2004 built on successes achieved at the four previous Wine Australia events in 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2002. It also helped the state’s wine industry to maintain its quality image in national and international markets and reinforced the reputation of Tasmania’s exciting cool-climate wines. Tasmania hosted several international and national visitors on the stand including importers and trade visitors from Denmark, USA, Canada, Kuala Lumpur, Japan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. For further information, please contact Martin Turmine at Martin.Turmine@development.tas.gov.au.
Market development mission to USA Economic Development is planning a market development mission for Tasmanian businesses to visit the West Coast of the USA in May 2005. The mission will incorporate business matching meetings in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Six Tasmanian enterprises from a range of industry sectors are currently undertaking pre-planning for participation. For further information, contact Kim McShane at Kim.Mcshane@development.tas.gov.au. Waitrose Supermarket inward buyer Dee Blackstock, Central Buyer Wines for Waitrose Supermarkets in the United Kingdom visited Tasmania in November and undertook a program of vineyard visits arranged by the Department of Economic Development and the Vineyards Association of Tasmania. The visit was timed to coincide with Wine Australia, which was held in Sydney in November. The visit was designed to assess new wine products for the Waitrose Supermarket chain. The feedback from the visit was positive for the Tasmanian vineyards, with opportunities for further exposure in the UK increasing as a result of the visit. A number of wines were selected to be put forward for further sampling in the United Kingdom. For further information contact Martin Turmine at Martin.Turmine@development.tas.gov.au. Market development mission to Dubai Economic Development is undertaking a market development mission to Dubai in February 2005. The mission will coincide with the Gulf Food Hotel and Equipment Exhibition to be held in Dubai from 18 to 24 February 2005. The mission will be based around product showcasing by Tasmanian companies, a program of in-market business matching, networking functions and post-mission activities. There are eight Tasmanian companies taking part. For further information, contact Ann Atkinson at Ann.Atkinson@development.tas.gov.au. Food business mission to Japan Japan will be hosting the World Expo in Aichi Prefecture (Nagoya) from 25 March to 25 September 2005. The Australian Pavilion in Aichi will present an opportunity to focus attention in Japan on Australia industry, culture and natural environment. Austrade, with cooperation from Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Invest Australia, has put together a program of trade missions for the event. In May 2005, Aichi will focus on food. As a part of this focus, Austrade is organising a mission of Australian industry representatives to Japan. The mission is set to include a day of food industry networking and information seminars at the Australian Pavilion and a customised program of appointments for mission members who may have potential business partners in other regions and cities in Japan. The mission presents an opportunity for all food exporters wishing to develop and maintain trade relationships in all parts of Japan. For more information on the mission and to register interest, please go to the Austrade website. ICT education mission to Tasmania Economic Development recently coordinated an inward mission of five UK companies from the British Education Suppliers Association to meet Tasmanian eLearning enterprises and progress international collaboration. The visit centred on the UK companies attending a briefing on the Tasmanian education system followed by one-on-one business meetings with Tasmanian companies. As a result of this inward mission, one of the UK companies signed a deal with a Tasmanian company. For details, see the media release. This inward mission is a preliminary activity for those Tasmanian companies visiting the British Education Technology Transfer (BETT) show in London in January 2005. For details, contact Mark Warrener at Mark.Warrener@development.tas.gov.au. European Seafood Exposition 2005, Brussels The 13th European Seafood Exposition (ESE) will take place next year from 26-28 April 2005 in Brussels. This event is known internationally as the world’s most important seafood trade show. Austrade will be supporting individual companies of all sizes from throughout Australia for the fifth consecutive year by organising a national stand. ESE attracts exhibitors and visitors ready to buy from more than 100 countries averaging sales worth $US5.75 million per visiting company (Source ESE). For further information, contact Kim McShane at Kim.McShane@development.tas.gov.au; or Austrade Paris: Anne Borgo at anne.borgo@austrade.gov.au. Australian meat exports to China Australian beef, sheep and goat meat exports to China are set to increase following the Chinese Government’s acceptance of Australia’s meat export inspection system. The breakthrough news was recently released, allowing the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service to now recommend the registration of Australian integrated meat processing plants that meet China’s specific requirements. The Ministers for Trade and Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry recognised the two-way trade in goods and services as an exceptional opportunity for Australian exporters to China. Thailand parliament has passed implementing legislation to allow the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA) to become active from 1 January 2005. Trade Minister Mark Vaile welcomed the agreement, emphasising the importance to Australia’s exporters. TAFTA will eliminate more than half of Thailand’s 5000 tariffs – accounting for nearly 80 per cent of Australian exports to Thailand. By 2010, 95 per cent of all current trade between Australia and Thailand will be completely tariff free, allowing Australia improved access to the second largest and one of the fastest growing economies in South-East Asia. The TAFTA announcement is welcomed by all exporters and should assist in developing the current growth in trade between Thailand and Australia. To claim tariff preference under TAFTA, exporting businesses must:
For further assistance and advice:
Chinese Free Trade Agreement negotiations A feasibility study is currently being undertaken into a free trade pact between Australia and China. Prime Minister John Howard will officially visit China next April with the hope of announcing negotiation for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). China is keen to be accepted as a market economy, which it hopes to achieve through trade agreements. Australia has a growing relationship with China, with a 50 per cent increase in trade between the two countries in the past year. The Chinese deal would complement deals with the USA and Thailand which both commence on 1 January 2005. More information is available from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) website. Prime Minister John Howard and his ASEAN and New Zealand counterparts launched negotiations for an ASEAN – Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement at a meeting in Laos early this month. The negotiations will start in early 2005 and be concluded within two years. The new FTA is expected to be comprehensive in scope, covering trade in goods, services and investment. DFAT will consult widely on the potential FTA between Australia, ASEAN and New Zealand including with industry and state and territory governments and other relevant stakeholders. More information on the FTA can be obtained from the DFAT website. Masters of Fare - National Portrait Gallery, Canberra Economic Development provided sponsorship in the form of a small Tasmania food gift to support the launch of a portrait exhibition of Australian chefs, winemakers and providores that celebrated the work and careers of the food and wine industry's pioneers, innovators and entrepreneurs who have influenced the Australian lifestyle as we know it today. The exhibition is a tribute to those who have championed the unique culinary characteristics of produce from Australia. It features a selection of portraits of men and women including Murray Tyrrell, Len Evans, Neil Perry, Tetsuya Wakuda and a number of Tasmanians. Tasmanian Gourmet Sauce Company wins manufacturing award Tasmanian Gourmet Sauce Company won the 2004 CGU/Chamber of Commerce Manufacturing Award last month. Owners Tim and Julie Barbour were thrilled with the result and look forward to bigger things to come. The Evandale company is currently exporting to six countries in addition to its established national distribution. The company has intentions of growing its exports to South-East Asia and into Japan in the future. A significant quantity of the gourmet sauces has been exported to Taiwan and Japan in recent months, with a distributor recently appointed in Japan. True value of food, agriculture and fisheries production in Tasmania The State Government and industry recognise that Tasmania is a large net exporter of food, a fact that is supported by official overseas trade statistics. Until recently there has not been any quantitative analysis which determines the value of interstate trade. A ‘scorecard’ approach is being developed by the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment which examines the value chain in the production of food, agriculture and fisheries. Analysis of the value chain will enable the dollar amount to be a true reflection of the contribution that the sector makes to the Tasmanian economy. The annual value of agriculture and fisheries at the farm gate or beach point is now approximately $1.17 billion per annum. Food items account for approximately $915 million of that amount. Each year the sector is generating an additional $50 million with the benefits of that growth flowing through the Tasmanian economy. The development of the scorecard is in its early stages and the findings are valuable in that they will allow measurement of industry development, which in turn will provide increased export opportunities. For more information on the scorecard, contact Hugh Griffiths at Hugh.Griffiths@dpiwe.tas.gov.au. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES This two-day conference for both buyers and sellers will feature presentations from companies worldwide that are successfully using Australian mining equipment, technology and services in their operations. The conference is scheduled for 5-6 July 2005 in Brisbane. Information on the event can be found at www.informa.com.au/austmine2005. For further information, contact Kim McShane at Kim.Mcshane@development.tas.gov.au Economic Development arranged the 2004 Export Practices Workshop at the Chancellor Resort Tamar Valley, in Grindelwald, on 3-4 November 2004. The workshop was delivered by the Australian Institute of Export to 20 attendees from 14 Tasmanian companies. The feedback received was very positive and the next workshop will be held in mid-2005. For further details of skills development workshops, contact Martin Turmine at Martine.Turmine@development.tas.gov.au.
Economic Development, in conjunction with KPMG, invites you to attend a workshop focusing on the management of export related risks to be held in Devonport in February and March 2005. All businesses are exposed to risks every day. When exporting there are additional risks to manage and their effect on businesses can be far reaching. Your business can manage your export risks more effectively with a simple, easy-to-use tool. The tool, called The Risk Record, is developed in a stepped process which firstly identifies internal risks, provides a rating per risk and then reviews and adjusts as appropriate with mitigation strategies. The subsidised participation fee for the workshop is $95 all-inclusive per participant (light lunch provided). The unsubsidised cost is $395. The workshop runs over two sessions: session one on 17 February 2005 and session two on 10 March 2005. For details, contact Martin Turmine at Martine.Turmine@development.tas.gov.au.
BRIEF NEWS AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES The Tasmanian Exporters Guide, the Tasmanian Food and Beverage Guide and the Tasmanian Giftware, Homeware and Craft Guide are available online. Ensure that your entries remain current by updating your details regularly. The guides are used as a reference point for all trade enquiries received by Economic Development and are also used to invite participation in trade-related activities. Tasmanian companies using wooden pallets or crates for the export of their products should make themselves familiar with new international guidelines. Exporters may have recently heard of the term "ISPM 15". ISPM 15 is the ‘International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures Publication No. 15: Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade’. ISPM 15 was developed to address the global spread of timber pests by regulating the movement of timber packing and dunnage in international trade. ISPM 15 describes a number of phytosanitary measures to reduce the risk of introduction and/or spread of quarantine pests associated with solid timber packing material (including dunnage). Australia implemented ISPM 15 for imports on 1 September 2004. Some countries have also already implemented IPSM 15 and others are in the process of doing so (EC Countries effective 1 March 2005, USA 16 September 2005). To ensure your exports are accepted, you will need to ensure that you have met the importing countries’ requirements for treatment of wooden pallets and crates. Exporters who currently export product on untreated pallets or in untreated wooden crates need to start looking at alternative measures such as pallets made from polystyrene for the shipping of their cargo (in relation to the packaging and use of untreated timber). For more information relating to the implementation of ISPM 15, please review these web sites: AQIS - www.affa.gov.au see Wooden Packaging Guidelines (ISPM 15), and International Phytosanitary Portal (IPP) - www.ippc.int. DFAT 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 Department of Foreign Affairs website. Austrade receives many inquires about Australian products and services from its offices around the world. If you are interested in reviewing its active inquiry list, please visit the Austrade website.
If you have any export and market development queries please email info@development.tas.gov.au or call 03 6233 5888. If you wish to subscribe to ExportActive please send an email to info@development.tas.gov.au with the words "ExportActive Newsletter Subscription" in the subject heading.
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GPO
Box 646, Hobart, 7001, Tasmania, Australia 22 Elizabeth Street, Hobart, 7000 Telephone: +61 3 6233 5888 Facsimile: +61 3 6233 5800 Email: info@development.tas.gov.au Internet: http://www.development.tas.gov.au |
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Export and Market Development activities
