February 2006

	Table of Contents  Export and Market Development activities International Food and Beverage Show China Upcoming International Food and Beverage Activities Pacific 2006 International Maritime Exhibition Australia Day Wine Tastings Top 8 Wine Buyer Visits Tasmania Maritime Market Development Mission to Europe  Professional development and educational opportunities 36 Strategies for Chinese Thinking Workshop Export Documentation Workshop Malaysia on the Map Open for Australian Business Seminar  Summary Calendar of Events Summary Calendar of Events 2006  Industry news Etech to make Hobart Global Centre King Island Dairy – Grand Champion Cheese Sauvignon Blanc Award for Tasmanian Winery China Potential Fraud Scams New Chinese Wooden Packaging Rules Second Phase of US Wood Packaging Material Import Regulations Japanese Media Releases Exporter’s Grant Scheme Extended for Five Years Australian Emerging Rural Industries Experience Growth Aged Care Tri-State Conference and Trade Display  Brief news and other opportunities Import – Export Companies Benefit from Tradex Program Tasmanian Art, Design and Lifestyle Guide Real Estate to Resorts - Fiji World Bank and United Nations Headquarters Delegation Travel advisories Current export opportunities Australian Suppliers Database

EXPORT AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

International Food and Beverage Show China

Austrade are coordinating an Australian National Stand at the International Food and Beverage Show, SIAL China, Shanghai from 29-31 May 2006.  SIAL China is one of the largest international trade exhibitions in China specifically for food, beverages, wine and spirits.  For more information on SIAL China, see the website.

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Upcoming International Food and Beverage Activities

Several premier international food and beverage trade activities are planned for the upcoming six months, a number of these will be strongly supported by Austrade.  Each activity is currently at different stages of recruitment.  For more information on the events, see the website.

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Pacific 2006 International Maritime Exhibition

Manufacturing, training and service companies from Tasmania’s maritime industry exhibited at Pacific 2006 in Sydney in January.  The companies took the opportunity to showcase their latest products and services to the international market.

Nine companies participated in the Tasmanian grouping at the exhibition, these companies were:  Australian Maritime College and AMC Search, Briar Maritime Services Pty Ltd, Colbeck and Gunton Pty Ltd, Fiomarine Industries Pty Ltd, Incat Australia Pty Ltd, Liferaft Systems Australia Pty Ltd, Moonraker Australia Pty Ltd, Pivot Maritime International Pty Ltd and Taylor Brothers (Slipway and Engineering) Pty Ltd.

Liferaft Systems Australia display at Pacific 2006 International Maritime Exhibition

Cindy Glanville representing Pivot Maritime International demonstrating their Boat Simulator

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Australia Day Wine Tastings

More than 56 premium wines from more than 20 Tasmanian vineyards were recently presented in a varietal format to over 1000 members of the United Kingdom trade and media at Wine Australia’s Australia Day Wine Tastings in London.  The delegation was the first Tasmanian wine trade mission to the United Kingdom. 

The wine tastings provided the opportunity for Tasmanian winemakers to work together to strengthen the level of awareness of the brands already in the market, the Tasmanian wine brand and also to emphasise the individuality and variety of the wines available from the different Tasmanian wineries. 

Delegation members consisted of representatives from Kreglinger Wine Estate (Pipers Brook), Tamar Ridge Wines, Pirie Tasmania and Tasmanian Fine Wines.  There was strong interest in the Tasmanian table, with many of the trade including journalists, buyers and wine educators, pleased to have a unique chance to collectively compare the different styles and taste a large selection of Tasmanian wines in a varietal format.  For more information on the event, see the website.

Dr Andrew Pirie presenting in London

Mandy Burbury presenting Tasmanian wines in London

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Top 8 Wine Buyer Visits Tasmania

Frances Wong, from Top 8 Wines Pty Ltd visited Tasmania during January.  Mr Wong conducted a three day tour of Tasmania sourcing premium wines to market to 8 Asian countries.  Mr Wong met with a number of Tasmanian wine producers whilst in the State and is expected to include Tasmanian wines in future selections of Top 8 Wines.  For more information on the visit contact Martin Turmine, Martin.Turmine@development.tas.gov.au.

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Maritime Market Development Mission to Europe

The Department of Economic Development is seeking expressions of interest from Tasmanian maritime companies in joining a Market Development Trade Mission to Europe to explore maritime sales opportunities and to further understand the market opportunity for Tasmanian manufactured products and services in the region. The focus will be around exhibiting at Posidonia Exhibition 2006 in Greece timed from 5–9 June. The participating exhibitors and visitors to this exhibition come from all sections of the shipping industry including: Shipbuilding and repair yards, shipbrokers, insurance, P&I Clubs, banks, port authorities, classification societies, shipping surveyors, vessel registration, high-tech equipment and technical support companies.

For further information on the mission and to register your interest contact Mark Warrener, Mark.Warrener@development.tas.gov.au.

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

36 Strategies for Chinese Thinking Workshop       

Department of Economic Development will be presenting a workshop titled 36 Strategies for Chinese Thinking on 7 March 2006 in Hobart.  The workshop is intended for exporters targeting China, Taiwan and other countries with a strong Chinese cultural influence.  36 Strategies for Chinese Thinking aims to provide participants with a greater understanding of Chinese culture, the 36 strategies are widely known and applied tactics from ancient wisdom and are adapted to the Chinese business world.  For further information on the workshop contact Martin Turmine, Martin.Turmine@development.tas.gov.au.

Click here to view the workshop invitation (Adobe PDF)            

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Export Documentation Workshop

Department of Economic Development will be presenting a workshop addressing Export Documentation on 3 May 2006 in Hobart and 4 May 2006 in Launceston.  The one day workshop focuses on the documentation process for an export consignment.  The workshop is an extension of the Export Practices workshop and will provide participants with an in-depth knowledge of the documentation process.  The topics of the workshop include documentation process, case study, case study exercise and documentation exercise.  The aim of the workshop is to give participants the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge gained into a practical application.  For further information on the workshop contact Martin Turmine, Martin.Turmine@development.tas.gov.au.

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Malaysia on the Map Open for Australian Business Seminar

For those companies interested in exporting products and services to Malaysia a lunch and round table discussion will be held at the Department of Economic Development’s Hobart offices on 3 March 2006.  James Wise, Australia’s High Commissioner to Malaysia and Peter Kane, Austrade Senior Trade Commissioner for Malaysia and Brunei will be at the event.   The event will be particularly useful for existing exporters or businesses which have the capability to export to Malaysia which are in food and agribusiness, retail franchising or licensing, education, training and consultancy, health, building and construction, defence, oil and gas and environment.  For more information contact Alan Campbell, Alan.Campbell@development.tas.gov.au.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Etech to make Hobart Global Centre

Etech, the Melbourne-based IT company has recently expanded its Hobart base.  Etech has signed an agreement with the Apple Computer Corporation which has launched Etech’s Studywiz software as Apple’s classroom eLearning educational platform.  Etech’s Global Support and Development Centre is based in Hobart and will expand to provide 42 new full-time positions over the coming 18 months.  The Global Support and Development Centre will cater to Etech’s international market and will provide specialist services such as major upgrades, installation monitoring, product demonstrations and testing of new modules.  For more information on the expansion, see the press release.

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King Island Dairy – Grand Champion Cheese

King Island Dairy, Lactos Pty Ltd and Ashgrove Cheese were recently awarded national awards at the Australian Grand Dairy Awards.  An Australian Grand Dairy Award represents quality, excellence and innovation in Australian dairy produce.

King Island Dairy was awarded the grand champion cheese with their Black Label Double Brie.  King Island Dairy also took out a trophy for champion washed rind cheese with their Stormy Washed Rind Cheese.  Lactos Pty Ltd were award recipients with their Tasmanian Heritage Culinary Choice Cream Cheese in the champion fresh unripened cheese category.  Ashgrove Cheese was awarded the champion cheddar cheese with their Traditional Cloth Matured Cheddar.

For more information on the awards, see the website.

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Sauvignon Blanc Award for Tasmanian Winery

Tamar Ridge’s 2005 Sauvignon Blanc was recently awarded number one wine at an international wine tasting competition.  The annual competition is held by South African winemaker Bartho Eksteen, bringing together 20 of the best sauvignon blancs in the world.  Tamar Ridge chief executive Doctor Andrew Pirie acknowledged the accolade as outstanding for Tasmania. 

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China Potential Fraud Scams

A recent spate of potential fraudulent Chinese email scams have involved Tasmanian companies.  It is important to complete due-diligence on export enquiries to prevent this type of activity occurring.  For more information on frauds, scams and dishonest conduct, see the Austrade website.

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New Chinese Wooden Packaging Rules

From 1 January 2006 the General Administration of Quality, Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China (AQSIQ) imposed new regulations regarding all packaging materials made from wood and used for consignments to China.  All wooden packaging materials must be labelled with an approved manufacturer IPPC Mark and be certified by the relevant quarantine authorities of exporting countries or regions.

China Inspection and Quarantine (CIQ) authorities will inspect all wooden packaging materials at the port of entry.  Any packaging materials that do not comply with the regulations will be treated, destroyed or returned with the consignments under the supervision of local customs authority.

For more information on the wood packaging certification scheme for Australian exports, see the website.

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Second Phase of US Wood Packaging Material Import Regulations

US Customs and Border Protection have begun phase two of import regulations for wood packaging material.  The second phase began on 1 February 2006 and entails full enforcement of the ban on pallets and crates that violate the requirements.  Phase two involves the immediate export of all shipments containing violative pallets or crates whereby it is not feasible to separate the merchandise and the violative packaging.  For more information on the regulations, see the website.

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Japanese Media Releases

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

• Australian Lamb Exports to Japan up by 50%
• Australian Beef Exports to Japan Hits a Record in 2005
• 2006 Australia-Japan Year of Exchange
• Australian Men’s Cosmetics Brand Selling at a Department Store

Media Release 3 February 2006

Media Release 27 January 2006

Media Release 20 January 2006

Media Release 13 January 2006

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Exporter’s Grant Scheme Extended for Five Years

The Australian Government has recently extended its Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) scheme until the end of 2010-11.  The EMDG scheme is administered by Austrade, helping small and medium Australian enterprises start and develop sustainable export markets, by reimbursing up to half of their eligible promotional costs above a threshold amount.   There will be other changes to the scheme which (subject to the passage of necessary legislation) will apply to applications lodged from 1 July 2007.  For more information on the new EMDG, see the press release.

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Australian Emerging Rural Industries Experience Growth

Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) has released a report outlining the value of 27 emerging rural industries to the Australian economy.  The industries ranged from coffee and olives to macadamias and exotic spices.  These industries earned estimated export revenue of $431 million in 2003-04.  It is predicted that these industries will experience growth in future years.  For more information on the report, see the report summary.

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Aged Care Tri-State Conference and Trade Display

Department of Economic Development is coordinating a Tasmanian ICT e-Health grouping to exhibit at the Aged Care Tri-State Conference and Trade Display to be held in Mildura from March 5-7 2006 in Mildura, Victoria.  The conference will attract delegates from throughout Australia and presents an opportunity to develop contacts with members of the aged care sector.  For more information on the grouping and participation contact Mark Warrener, Mark.Warrener@development.tas.gov.au.

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BRIEF NEWS AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

Import - Export companies benefit from Tradex program

Over 40 Tasmanian companies now benefit from a simple program which provides an up-front exemption from Customs Duty and GST.  If your company imports and then exports products within a 12 month period, you should be considering using Tradex - a product delivered by AusIndustry.

Tradex provides an up-front exemption from customs duty and GST on imported goods that will be re-exported.  The goods may be intended for direct export or used in the manufacture of other goods that are subsequently exported.  The up-front exemption from customs duty and GST eases the pressure on your cashflow. 

You register for Tradex once, nominating the goods you propose to import under the program.  Once your eligibility is confirmed, you will be given a Tradex Order Number.  You then quote your Tradex number when importing goods on your Customs Import Entry form.  Once done, you do not pay customs duty or GST on these imported goods.

Common examples of goods claimed include bottles, packaging and labelling. 

For more information or a Tradex application form, visit the AusIndustry website phone the AusIndustry Hotline on 13 28 46 or Tasmanian State Office on 6230 9900.

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Tasmanian Art, Design and Lifestyle Guide

The Tasmanian Giftware, Homeware and Craft Guide has been renamed the Tasmanian Art, Design and Lifestyle Guide.  The Tasmanian Art, Design and Lifestyle Guide will better reflect the listings held within and will more accurately portray the values of Brand Tasmania.  The Tasmanian Art, Design and Lifestyle Guide will continue to provide members with information and exposure opportunities.  For more information on the guide contact Kathryn McCann, Kathryn.McCann@development.tas.gov.au, to become a member, click here.

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Real Estate to Resorts – Fiji

Australian companies interested in the Fijian building and construction market are invited to participate in Real Estate to Resorts 2006.  Real Estate to Resorts is the only major building and construction exhibition in Fiji.  For more information on the event and how to become involved, see the website.

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World Bank and United Nations Headquarters Delegation

Austrade Washington DC is taking a business group to visit the World Bank and United Nations’ headquarters in May 2006.  The mission will give Australian businesses the opportunity to understand the funding of the World Bank projects and develop networks.  It will also assist participants in identifying opportunities within United Nations agencies.

Existing and potential exporters in major infrastructure, consulting and service providers are invited to attend.  For more information on the mission and to register, see the website.

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Travel Advisories

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.

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Current Export Opportunities

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.

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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.

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Summary Calendar of Events

If you have any Export and Market Development queries please email George.Chambers@development.tas.gov.au or call 03 6233 5792.

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