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June 2005
INTRODUCTION FROM GEORGE CHAMBERS
ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER, EXPORT AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT
Over the last three years the Export and Market Development business unit has been very busy undertaking retail food and beverage export facilitation and marketing activities in the Asian and South-East Asian region. Activities have included instore promotions, instore tastings and coordinated market visits by Tasmanian producers.
As a result of these promotions, a range of Tasmanian products are now available on supermarket and gourmet grocery shelves in countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, China and Hong Kong.
In order to increase the Tasmanian presence in these markets, Kath McCann, our newest staff member recently visited three markets to develop relationships and ongoing marketing strategies. The visit was a success with meetings being held with a range of buyers and influencers in the region, all of which held Tasmanian product in high esteem and were interested in expanding their ranges.
The activities held in the past have been well supported by industry. I invite you to contact us should you be intending to undertake similar activities in the future as the unit will be calling on producers to submit product and engage in inmarket activities in the near future.
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EXPORT AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Tasmanian Business Guides Are you Registered?
The Tasmanian Exporters Guide, the Tasmanian Food and Beverage Guide and the Tasmanian Giftware, Homeware and Craft Guide are available online. If you are not already a member, please follow this link to register. If you are a member, ensure that your entries remain current by updating your details regularly.
Several Tasmanian companies have received sales leads through the Tasmanian Business Guides. The guides act as a directory for purchasers looking for general and specific products and services. The guides are also used as a reference point for all trade enquiries received by the Department of Economic Development and are used to invite participation in trade-related activities.
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National Marine Safety Conference
The Department of Economic Development recently facilitated a grouping of five Tasmanian Maritime Network (TMN) companies to participate in an exhibition at the National Marine Safety Conference. The conference was held in Hobart and attracted over 280 delegates from around Australia. Additional TMN companies participated individually, ensuring that the network was well represented at this event. For further information on the exhibition contact Kathryn McCann, Kathryn.McCann@development.tas.gov.au.

Mike Shegog and John Fiotakis representing FioMarine Industries at the National Marine Safety Conference
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Australian Pharmacy Exhibition
Three Tasmanian companies participated in the Australian Pharmacy Exhibition in Sydney in May. The participating companies were Beauty and the Bees Tasmania, Blackstone and Lavender House. The exhibition provided the companies with the opportunity to meet with pharmaceutical buyers and distributors from throughout Australia and some international visitors. All companies acknowledged that they would not have participated in the exhibition without the assistance of the Department of Economic Development. For further information on the exhibition and future activities contact Kathryn McCann, Kathryn.McCann@development.tas.gov.au.
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Left: Frances Mamo representing Lavender House at the Australian Pharmacy Exhibition
Right: Carol Brydon representing Blackstone at the Australian Pharmacy Exhibition
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IT Customer Seminars coinciding with Cebit Australia 2005, Sydney
Export and Market Development facilitated a series of introductory product and service seminars for Tasmanian ICT companies directed at potential New South Wales customers coinciding with Australasia’s largest ICT exhibition, Cebit Australia 2005, in Sydney from 24-26 May 2005.
The seminar attendees were identified as a result of an intensive direct marketing campaign involving direct mail, telephone and email communication targeted at a customer list developed through consultations with the participating Tasmanian ICT companies. For further details contact Mark Warrener, Mark.Warrener@development.tas.gov.au.
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Brussels Seafood Mission
The Tasmanian Rock Lobster Fisherman’s Association (TRLFA) participated at the European Seafood Exposition (ESE) that was held in Brussels from 26-28 April 2005. ESE was established in 1993 and has grown to be the most prestigious seafood-specific exhibition in the world. From a Tasmanian industry perspective, participation at ESE provided immense exposure for the Tasmanian seafood sector. The Department has recently contacted all sectors of the Tasmanian seafood sector seeking expressions of interest for larger Tasmanian branded grouping to participate at ESE in 2006. For further information contact Kim McShane, Kim.Mcshane@development.tas.gov.au
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Inward Buyer Visit by Interstate Food and Beverage Distributors
Two retail food and beverage distributors from South Australia and Western Australia visited Tasmania in May. The two distributors met with a variety of Tasmanian producers and were given a Tasmanian experience, including a visit to Agfest and factory tours of two Tasmanian companies. There was interest in several Tasmanian companies. For further information on retail food and beverage activities contact Kathryn McCann, Kathryn.McCann@development.tas.gov.au.
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Inward Buyers visit to source Tasmanian Seafood
Export and Market Development coordinated a visit to Tasmania of seven interstate journalists, restaurateurs and chefs from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns, in conjunction with Spring Bay Seafoods, Tasea Enterprises and Tassal Operations Limited.
The visit provided an opportunity for the visitors to meet three of Tasmania's leadings seafood suppliers, processors and growers to promote their respective points of difference. Press articles have appeared in The Courier Mail in Queensland following the visit. For further information on the visit contact Ann Atkinson, Ann.Atkinson@development.tas.gov.au.
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Inward Buyers visit from the United Arab Emirates
In conjunction with Regional Development Victoria and the Victorian Government Business Office in Dubai, the Export and Market Development unit will be facilitating a visit to Tasmania by four executive chefs from five and six star hotels in Dubai to source products for their hotel groups foodservice network. Product categories that have been identified by the prospective buyers include seafood, wine, meat, fruit, vegetables, cheese and condiments. This visit is a direct result of the Market Development Mission to the region in February this year. For more information contact Ann Atkinson, Ann.Atkinson@development.tas.gov.au.
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Regional Economic Development and Investment (REDI) Plans Survey
Have your say.
Let the Government know what is preventing your business achieve its true potential.
Let the Government know what your industry sector and regional strengths are.
Economic Development has contracted the consortium of KPMG and EMRS to conduct an extensive business activity survey in July 2005. The information gathered and analysed will be collated into an independent and objective "REDI Report" and will be used as an input into the long term strategic planning process of the Department of Economic Development and other state government agencies into planning for sustainable economic growth into the future.
The success of the REDI plans project, and the ability of Economic Development to prioritise the plan for on-going economic growth, is dependent on the participation of the business community.
All businesses responding to the survey will receive a copy of the REDI report.
For more information on the REDI plans project visit the website. To request a survey to complete contact Lisa Taylor, Lisa.Taylor@development.tas.gov.au
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World Aquaculture 2005, Bali
Export and Market Development coordinated a Tasmanian presence at the World Aquaculture 2005 Exhibition held in Bali, Indonesia during May 2005. Four Tasmanian companies: Plastic Fabrications, AQ1 Systems, Aqua Assist and W.A. Cromarty with products targeted towards the Aquaculture industry exhibited and showcase their products and services at the exhibition. Initial reports from the attending companies indicated a positive response to the Tasmanian products and services on display.
For further details, please contact Mark Warrener, Mark.Warrener@development.tas.gov.au
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TCCI ‘Selling Outside the Square’ Conference
The Department of Economic Development was the gold sponsor and conference partner of the recently held TCCI ‘Selling Outside the Square’ conference. The conference attracted several keynote speakers and delegates from around the state. Keynote speakers included Hon. Bruce Billson, Parliamentary Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Lara Giddings, MHA Minister for Economic Development and Dr John Hewson. The conference is intended to be an annual event.
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Dubai Aerospace Exhibition
The Dubai Aerospace Exhibition (Dubai Air Show) 2005 in the United Arab Emirates will be conducted in November 2005. The Australian Department of Defence proposes to sponsor an Australian defence industry mission to the Middle East in conjunction with attendance at the Dubai Air Show. The exhibition provides opportunities for any Australian company engaged in the defence industry sector to participate in a proposed Team Australia mission. For more information, see the website.
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Gateway to the US Conference Announced
ANZA Technology Network, based in San Francisco, has announced its 'Gateway to the US' Conference Program 2005. This program is designed to provide a clear pathway for Australian technology companies as they enter or enhance their US presence, culminating in the 4th Annual Australia and New Zealand Technology (ANZATECH) Showcase Conference in Silicon Valley 13-15 November and Boston 18 November 2005.
Information seminars on the 'Gateway to the US' Conference Program 2005 will be held from July 25 August 2 in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and Sydney and includes presentations from US IT experts. The information seminars will brief companies interested in entering or further expanding existing business in the US on the requirements for market entry to the US technology market and to update executives on the opportunities that may exist there for Australian technology companies. For further details contact Mark Warrener, Mark.Warrener@development.tas.gov.au.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Skills Development Update
Export and Market Development has facilitated various workshop and seminars over the last 12 months relating to various exporting and international marketing issues.
The workshop topics have included:
- Export Practices Australian Institute of Export
- Risk Management KPMG
- Presentation Skills David Penglase Seminars
- Bulk Carrier Operations Australian Maritime College
- EMDG Briefings Sandilands Exports
- Accessing AusAid Ausaid / Austrade
- Country specific seminars India and USA
Export and Market Development will again be conducting a range of seminars and workshops next financial year to aid the skills development of Tasmanian exporters. We propose to conduct some of the above workshops and also introduce new topics. All upcoming workshops and seminars are promoted in ExportActive. For further information contact Martin Turmine, Martin.Turmine@development.tas.gov.au.
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Do You Want to Export An Introduction to Exporting
Do you or any of your acquaintances want to know more about exporting?
Export and Market Development will be delivering a series of free workshops on 14 July in Hobart and 28 July in Launceston for those interested in knowing more about exporting.
This seminar is an introductory session that explores a company’s ability and desire to export.
This session includes:
- Discussion on why companies would export.
- How exporting differs from a domestic sales transaction.
- Brief assessment of a company’s product or service to determine if it is suited for international markets.
- What expertise and resources are required for exporting?
- An overview of possible methods for exporting.
- The next steps to become a sustainable exporter.
If you are interested in knowing more about what is involved in exporting, contact Debbie Marshall, Debbie.Marshall@development.tas.gov.au for a registration form.
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Export Market Development Grant (EMDG) Seminars
Austrade will be conducting a free EMDG Seminar in Hobart July 19 and Launceston July 20. The seminars are aimed at understanding the eligibility requirements of EMDG and the preparation process for claiming EMDG. For more information see the website.
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Business Club Australia
Business Club Australia: Melbourne 2006 is the official program aimed at creating international business opportunities through the 2006 Commonwealth Games to be held in Melbourne, Australia. For more information, see the website.
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Australian Natural Healthcare Capability Directory
Austrade are currently developing a Natural Healthcare Capability Directory. This directory will be distributed internationally and aims to showcase the expertise and diversity of Australia’s Natural Healthcare sector by profiling product, manufacturing, research and education capabilities. For more information on the directory, see the website.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Tasmania Cashes in on Disease-Free Status
Matthew Brace from just-food.com recently released an article detailing Tasmania’s export success. The article acknowledges Tasmania’s disease-free status and clean, green reputation contributing to the production and export of gourmet produce. To read the article, see the website.
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Cape Grim Water World’s Purest Natural Water
Cape Grim Natural Water is the product of the air at Cape Grim, near Woolnorth in the north of Tasmania, and is billed as the world’s purest natural water. Bottled water from Cape Grim is a sought after product in eight countries. Chief executive Tony Stewart said the water is the preferred product of Qantas first and business-class services, world-renowned Sydney chef Tetsuya Wakuda and has been requested by delegates at a Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting. For more information, see the website.
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Tasmanian Cheese Wins Gold Medal
Ashgrove Farm’s traditional cloth-matured cheddar recently won a gold medal for the third consecutive year at the Sydney Specialist Cheesemaker’s Association Show. Cheesemaker Jane Bennett of Ashgrove Farm acknowledged the award as positive for the Tasmanian food industry being recognised nationally.
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UK Wine Expert Lists Tasmanian Wines
Six Tasmanian wines have been named in an English list of the best Australian wines. Matthew Jukes, one of England’s most influential wine figures listed the following Tasmanian wines in the top 100 Australian wines NV Bay of Fires Sparkling; 2000 Jansz Premium Vintage Cuvee; 2003 Domaine A Lady A Fumé Blanc; 2004 Tamar Ridge Devil’s Corner Pinot Noir,; 2001 Domaine A Pinot Noir; and 2002 Pipers Brook Reserve Pinot Noir. For more information on the list, see the website.
Tamar Ridge is enjoying increasing success in the UK market. It began with the 2002 Tamar Ridge Pinot Noir winning Gold at the International Wine Challenge in London. The 2002 Tamar Ridge Chardonnay has been selected by British Airways for service in First Class a terrific tribute considering the range of wines they have to choose from. Two leading UK wine writers have added their voices in support of our wines.
The 2004 Tamar Ridge Riesling has been named as the ‘Best New World White’ by Steven Spurrier in the June 2005 edition of Decanter magazine. In describing his selection Spurrier wrote “Tasmania’s Tamar Ridge aims ‘to make Australia’s best cool climate aromatic dry wines’ and this Riesling is a fair contender”. For more information on Tamar Ridge wines, see the website.
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Japanese Media Releases
Current Japanese media releases issued to the Department of Economic Development include -
- Australian Grown Cherries to be Imported to Japan
- Japan’s Real GDP grows by 5.3% in January March
- It is Safe to Eat Beef Because We Know the Cattle’s Birthday!
- Seiyu Moves into Walmart Style
Click here to download the TDED Media Report for May 2005.
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New US Visa for Australian Business People
The United States has created a separate visa category (E-3 visa) specifically for 10,500 Australian business people and professionals seeking to live and work temporarily in the United States. For more information, see the website.
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Australia - India Trade and Economic Framework (TEF)
Talks have begun for a TEF between Australia and India. India is now Australia’s sixth largest export market with Australian exports of goods and services to India amounting to almost $6 billion. For more information on the TEF, see the website.
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Fta.gov.au
Fta.gov.au is a new online resource directed at assisting Australian companies utilising Australia’s Free Trade Agreements (FTA). The site offers information on a variety of services and practical in-market advice for exporters. For more information, see the website.
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A feasibility study considering a bilateral Australia-Japan FTA was recently announced. The study will examine the implications of a comprehensive FTA in order to enable both countries to decide whether they wish to proceed with formal negotiations. For further information, see the website.
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Formal negotiations on a FTA between Australia, New Zealand and the 10 ASEAN members continued with meetings in February and March. For further updates on the FTA, see the website.
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Australia-Malaysia FTA
Negotiations on a bilateral FTA between Australia and Malaysia have begun. DFAT is seeking public submissions on the FTA. For further information, see the website.
BRIEF NEWS AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM15)
The ISPM15 document outlines implementation dates for the ‘International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM15): Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade’ for all exports which contain wood packing material. Individual country implementation dates are varied and it is the responsibility of exporters to comply with importing country requirements at the time of export. For more information on the requirements, see the website.
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Customs Cargo Management Re-engineering
Customs Cargo Management Re-engineering (CMR) imports is scheduled for implementation in July 2005. For more information on the changes due to occur, 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 and Trade 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 this link.
If you have any Export and Market Development queries please email George.Chambers@development.tas.gov.au or call 03 6233 5792.
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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