Australia Trade Mission
May 19-27, 2006

Whether you already are in Australia or are considering expanding your business into this important market, this regional trade initiative can help you achieve your objectives.

This Mission is sponsored by the Council of Great Lakes Governors (CGLG).  Member State’s include: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.  The Council‘s mission is to encourage and facilitate environmentally responsible economic growth.  Toward this end, the Council and its member States assist small and medium-sized companies enter new markets and expand exports.  The Council maintains trade offices in seven foreign markets including Sydney, Australia.

MISSION BENEFITS

• Customized one-on-one business appointments:  In-country Director of the CGLG office to schedule customized individual business appointments with potential agents/distributors/buyers in Sydney, Melbourne and environs.  Meetings will be scheduled based on information provided by the participating company regarding market objectives.
• In-country market research and telemarketing:  CGLG staff to conduct advance research and marketing to ensure participating companies are positioned for results.
• Country briefings:  A briefing to be held for participants on arrival in Sydney.  This briefing will provide an overview of current economic and political conditions as well as guidance on how to do business in this market.
• Business networking event:  A business networking event for participants in Melbourne.  This event will allow participants to meet with a cross-section of the business community to further promote goods and services outside the one-on-one business meetings.  
• In-country promotional campaign:  Extensive campaigns will be conducted to promote the export mission’s visibility.
• Ground transportation:  Airport-hotel-airport transportation provided.
• Hotel discounts:  Group discount at conveniently located hotels geared for business travelers.
• Air discounts:  Group discount to be negotiated.

WHY AUSTRALIA?
Australia has proven to be a very attractive market for U.S. exporters for many years.  The economy is thriving and the legal and corporate framework is very similar to that of the U.S.  Australia continues to outperform most other OECD economies resulting in Australian businesses investing strongly in capital equipment across major sectors such as mining, energy, IT, and food processing.  Australian imports of capital goods increased by 11% in 2004.  Indeed, there was an 8% increase in total Australian imports for the same period with the U.S. being the major supplier.  Member States of the Council export approximately $3.4 billion annually to Australia.

Furthermore, on January 1, 2005, the U.S.-Australian Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was implemented.  The FTA eliminated 99% of tariffs on U.S. manufactured exports to Australia.  Manufactured goods account for 93% of U.S. total exports to Australia and industry experts estimate gains of $2 billion per year for U.S. exports as a result of this agreement.  The FTA also opens up markets for goods and services, eliminating barriers in areas such as agriculture, government procurement and investment.  

If you are not already active in this important market, now is the time to get started.  The CGLG trade office in Sydney will help you make the contacts you need to win business in Australia.  Take this opportunity to experience the business environment and culture firsthand, and gain insights through networking with your counterparts from other exporting companies.

KEY INDUSTRY SECTORS

• Information Technology and Communications Equipment
• Industrial Machinery and Equipment / Instrumentation
• Medical Devices and Diagnostics / Biotechnology
• Aircraft and Parts
• Automotive Parts and Accessories
• Transportation Equipment
• Defense Equipment
• Mining Equipment
• Electronic Products and Electrical Equipment

TRADE MISSION PROGRAM SERVICES

• Review products and services and determine their marketability
• Evaluate the readiness of the company to enter the market
• Provide trade counseling through the Council of Great Lakes Governors’ foreign trade office & assist in the identification of trade partners, distributors, agents and trade leads

• Mission Participation Fee: $1,400.  Underwrites the cost of mission benefits.
• Coach Class Airfare:  $1,650 (estimate).  Prices cannot be guaranteed until tickets are purchased.
• Hotels:  6 nights (estimate): $936.  Prices cannot be guaranteed until bookings are made.