In This Issue:
Upcoming Events:
Victoria
New South Wales
Queensland
From the Trade Desk
In the last month the Trade and Export and Business Improvement teams have been involved in Ai Group's quarterly BizAssist Breifings in over thirty locations around Australia. This round included a new 45 minute Business Improvement and Growth session, covering strategic planning and finding hidden money in your business. It was great to see so many people, however if you missed it, this session will be available on the Ai Group website as a webinar in a few weeks. Access will be from www.aigroup.com.au and will be restricted to members only, so if you don't have a login, please contact your local Ai Group membership officer, or email us at trade@aigroup.asn.au.
Members in Victoria might be aware that the Victorian Government is conducting a major investigation into the current state of the local manufacturing industry. Naturally Ai Group is heavily involved, and we will be running a series of interactive workshops to uncover the vision local companies have for the manufacturing industry. These sessions will not only be an important forum for you to express your views, they will also be an opportunity to think about your own strategic plan and learn about the mega trends that are impacting on business globally. More details listed below.
Louise McGrath
National Business Development Manager - Trade and Industry Sectors
trade@aigroup.asn.au
Trade review provides a renewed focus on trade outcomes
"The Federal Government's trade policy review announced today by the Trade Minister, Dr Craig Emerson, represents a sensible stock take of Australia's global trade agenda and provides a renewed focus on the importance of supporting trade in the national interest," Australian Industry Group Director International Innes Willox said today.
"Ai Group supports the principles of free trade, including the government's five key policy objectives. Properly negotiated liberalised trade outcomes have the potential to significantly boost productivity and Australia's international competitiveness.
"These agreements need to create a truly level playing field for Australian industry, especially at a time when it is competing in a global market with the Australian dollar at post-float highs, patchy conditions across sectors and high interest rates in comparison to our major trading partners. Agreements do not knock down doors to immediately create new export opportunities in new markets, rather, Ai Group members find that free trade agreements provide the most benefit when Australian companies already have a foothold in that market. This is especially so in an international economy still recovering from the global financial crisis where behind the border trade restrictions in many of our key trading markets have clearly increased.
"The government's commitment to focus FTA negotiations on markets where Australian industry already has a strong trading relationship makes particular sense, especially with Japan, South Korea, China and Indonesia - all of which are in Australia's top 10 export destinations. However, the completion of these agreements need to deliver the most comprehensive, reciprocally liberalised outcomes possible. The next big test will likely be completion of the Korea FTA and the negotiated tariff outcomes on vehicles and automotive components.
"The government's continued support of Doha is important. However, we have reached a point where the global community needs to bite the bullet and finalise the round or walk away, so we can focus on a bilateral and regional trade agenda that will specifically benefit Australian industry. Talks over the next few months at senior officials level will be vital to determining the success or failure of Doha.
"It is crucial that the trade promotion and facilitation strategies supporting this Trade Policy Statement, such as the Export Market Development Grants Scheme, are fully funded in the upcoming Budget so that the programs can be reliably effective in supporting the competitiveness of Australian exporters of goods and services," Mr Willox said.
Trade balance turned negative
In February, Australia recorded a trade deficit for the first time in eleven months, reflecting a decline in merchandise exports and strong growth in the imports of intermediate and other merchandise goods. Australia's seasonally adjusted trade deficit reached $205 million, a significant turnaround from the $1.4 billion surplus recorded in January. The value of goods and services exports fell 2.4% in February, as Australian merchandise exporters continued to struggle given the strong Australian dollar. Merchandise exports dropped 3.5%, while services exports increased2.7%.Manufacturing exports rose 10.4% in February, pointing to the resilience of the industry in the face of tough business conditions posed by the strengthening Australian dollar. The increase in manufacturing exports was recorded in all subsectors, except the primary metal and metal product sub-sector.
The value of goods and services imports increased 4.9% in February, a pick-up from the 3.4% decline witnessed in January. This reflected a 5.9% rise in imported merchandise goods, primarily intermediate and other merchandise goods. Services imports rose 1.5%.Soft domestic demand resulted in the imports of consumption goods remaining largely flat in February, increasing by a mere0.2%. On the other hand, imports of capital goods rose 2.2%, while imports of intermediate and other merchandise goods increased by a strong 11.6%, suggesting that businesses could be taking advantage.
Manufacturing Vision 2020
Are you struggling with the global trends and opportunities facing your business? Join us at this interactive forum.
The forum will engage company leaders to contribute their vision and perspectives of the changing nature of Victorian manufacturing.
Facilitated by Think Beyond with the support of Ai Group, this interactive forum will be an opportunity to be exposed to trends affecting your industry, and work with your peers to strategically explore your company's future environment.
Don't miss this chance to influence the future of manufacturing:
- gain insight into the trends that may present business opportunities
- engage your peers in long term strategy
- contribute to the broader vision for manufacturing.
This workshop will not be a drab presentation but a chance to work hands on with your peers. The workshop is essential for: CEOs, Managing Directors, General Managers.
Melbourne |
Ballarat |
Melbourne |
Email associations@aigroup.asn.au for your FREE registration.
e-link
New Standards Map website
Exporters, producers and retailers can now compare dozens of different voluntary standards in one place. The International Trade Centre's (ITC) new Standards Map website www.standardsmap.org is the first comprehensive database on voluntary standards such as Fairtrade, Forest Stewardship Council, Marine Stewardship Council, GlobalG.A.P. and others.
Standards Map covers voluntary or 'private' standards developed by non-governmental organizations and private entities. Compliance to these standards is not legally required by governments or regulations, but it could lead to more sustainable environmental practices or potentially open up new markets.
Outgoing Missions
Business Mission to Vietnam
May 30 - June 3, 2011
This Mission is designed to provide a cost-effective entry to the Vietnamese market, expose mission members to one of the world's fastest growing economies and provide a comprehensive business-matching program for mission participants to identify real project opportunities and local partners as required for market access.
The annual average construction sector real growth between 2010 and 2014 is forecast to be 8.1%. Opportunities include "New Towns" as satellites of major metropolitan or industrial areas. These master-planned developments often call for investments in industrial parks, commercial areas, residential housing, hospitals, schools, retail, etc. Major new town developments in the South are centred around Ho Chi Minh. Developments in the North include Linh Nam Eco City in Hanoi and projects in the surrounding areas of Bac Ninh, Vinh Phuc.
Sector with significant opportunities are:
- Building products and service providers, sustainable building products and services (Architects, Consultants)
- Developers, Building Solution Providers and System providers, Project Managers
- Institutions, Equipment and Building Product Manufacturers
- Government
For more information and to register your interest, please click here or contact Nicole Schuler at nicole.schuler@aigroup.asn.au.
- Vietnam is one of the world's fastest growing economies in the region
- Prior to the global economic downturn it sustained GDP growth of 7-9 per cent per annum and although it slowed down in 2009 the World Bank estimates that it will still achieve 5-5.5 per cent growth
- The medium-term growth outlook appears positive
- Vietnam has been in transition from a centrally-planned to a 'socialist oriented market economy' since the introduction of the doi moi reforms in 1986. In the early-to-mid 1990s, liberalisation measures resulted in rapidly expanding exports and high economic growth, with real GDP growth averaging 9 per cent per year. Poverty rates are now less than 20 per cent, down from almost 60 per cent in the early 1990s.
Since 2000 the Government initiated rapid economic and corporate reforms. As part of its effort to improve the competitiveness of the state corporate sector and maintain the momentum in foreign direct investment, Vietnam has undertaken a program to equitise (semi-privatise) around 1600 state-owned enterprises (SOEs) between 2007 and 2010. The Vietnamese Government also has an ambitious plan to extend the equitisation process to major state-owned conglomerates in sectors such as banking, insurance, aviation, cement, steel and textiles.
Australia - Vietnam Trade
International trade, in goods and services exports now constitute around 70 per cent of Vietnam's GDP up from a 30 per cent share recorded in the mid 1990s.
Two-way trade between Australia and Vietnam registered encouraging growth over the last five years to reach $6 billion in 2009.
Vietnam's share represents $8 billion or 10% of the total Australian - ASEAN trade. Intelligence suggests that there is a strong market for sustainable urbanisation services in Vietnam as it is an economy developing rapidly with a population of 86 million with a growth rate of 7.5-8% per annum where infrastructure development has been identified as a sector of national priority encouraging both investment and external expertise.
Two-way services trade between Australia and Vietnam performed well in 2009, growing by 15 per cent to reach A$1.5 billion. Services exports to Vietnam during this period were worth A$865 million, triple that of 2005. Education-related exports remain Australia's single largest services export, worth A$713 million in 2009. Services imports from Vietnam in the same period were valued at A$608 million, dominated by recreational travel (A$446m).
Export opportunities for Australian companies
While the global economic slowdown presented challenges, the long term outlook for Australia-Vietnam trade and business relationships remains positive.
Opportunities exist in:
Tourism and tourism infrastructure developments
Education and Training
Oil and Gas
Clean Development
Ai Group Events:
Maximise Opportunities and Minimise Risks of doing Business in China
Join our speakers to learn how to maximise opportunities and minimise risks of doing business in China and book a one-on-one session after the official presentations.
Date: 4th May, 2011
Venue: Mason Sier Turnbull Lawyers
Level 1 Seminar Room,
315 Ferntree Gully Road
Mount Waverley VIC 3149
Cost: $99.00 Ai Group Member/
$132.00 Non member
Contact: For more information and to register, please click here.
National Construction Conference 2011
The conference will provide perspectives from practitioners and industry participants supported by interactive panel discussions involving industry leaders, representatives of government and unions.
Date: 20th May, 2011
Venue: Sofitel Melbourne on Collins
25 Collins Street,
Melbourne VIC 3000
Contact: For more information and to register, please click here.
Other Events incl. Austrade/TradeStart:
Austrade
EMDG coaching session
These small-group, personalised sessions will help you get EMDG ready and maximise your grant entitlement. Sessions will be run by senior grants staff and will cover a range of topics including introduction to EMDG, how to plan for EMDG, how to apply for EMDG and how to get the best out of the EMDG scheme. Coaching sessions will be held in most capital cities and regional areas Australia-wide.
Date: 12 Oct 2011
Venue: Austrade Melbourne
Level 31, 140 William Street,
Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: FREE
Contact: For more information click here.
NEW SOUTH WALES - Upcoming Events
Production Planning & Shop Floor Control
This interactive and practical workshop provides you with the right information to solve business problems, using proven methodologies and strategies. The workshop covers the key concepts of production planning and scheduling in the most efficient and effective manner from sales and operations to daily dispatch lists.
Date: 31th May, 2011
Venue: Australian Industry Group, 51 Walker Street,
North Sydney,
NSW 2060
Contact: For more information and to register, please contact louise.mcgrath@aigroup.asn.au.
Maximise Opportunities and Minimise Risk of Doing Business in China
Join our speakers to learn how to maximise opportunities and minimise risks of doing business in China and book a one-on-one session after the official presentations.
Date: 5th May, 2011
Venue: Australian Industry Group,
51 Walker Street,
North Sydney NSW 2060
Cost: $99.00 Ai Group Member /
$132.00 Non member
Contact: For more information and to register, please click here.
Successful Quoting & Tendering Techniques
This interactive and practical workshop will focus on increasing your tendering/quoting success rate through an increased understanding of the overall task that must address eligibility and assessment criteria, present a current and convincing case statement, apply project development skills to ensure conformance as well as innovation, adopt appropriate marketing and sales approaches, and submit a powerful, positive and persuasive document.
Date: 28th April, 2011
Venue: Australian Industry Group, 51 Walker St, North Sydney, NSW 2060
Cost: $847 Ai Group Member / $1,023 Non member
Contact: For more information and to register, contact louise.mcgrath@aigroup.asn.au.
Ai Group Events:
TradeDocs - Letter of Credit & Export Documentation
We can help you demystify letters of credit. This one day comprehensive and practical program is designed to provide you with a straightforward guide to export documentation. Find out how to comply with your Letter of Credit requirements to improve security of payment, and learn more about the purpose and application of trade terms in order to become a more successful exporter. Publications include Incoterms 2000 Wall chart and Comprehensive Workbook.
Date: 6th May, 2011
Venue: Australian Industry Group, 202 Boundary Street,
Spring Hill,
Brisbane QLD 4004
Contact: For more information and to register, please contact louise.mcgrath@aigroup.asn.au.
Production Planning & Shop Floor Control
This interactive and practical workshop provides you with the right information to solve business problems, using proven methodologies and strategies. The workshop covers the key concepts of production planning and scheduling in the most efficient and effective manner from sales and operations to daily dispatch lists.
Date: 3th May, 2011
Venue: Australian Industry Group, 202 Boundary Street,
Spring Hill,
Brisbane QLD 4004
Contact: For more information and to register, please contact louise.mcgrath@aigroup.asn.au.
Maximise Opportunities and Minimise Risk of Doing Business in China
Join our speakers to learn how to maximise opportunities and minimise risks of doing business in China and book a one-on-one session after the official presentations.
Date: 9th May, 2011
Venue: Australian Industry Group, 202 Boundary Street,
Spring Hill,
Brisbane QLD 4004
Cost: $99.00 Ai Group Member /
$132.00 Non member
Contact: For more information and to register, please click here.
Professional Selling Skills
This dynamic one day workshop provides participants with knowledge and skills to better utilise the sales process and improve their own sales performance. Their individual needs will be built into the day as it progresses to ensure that they leave feeling confident and assured that they can achieve what is asked of them in the workplace. The workshop covers the sales process to win new sales, controlling the sales cycle and building strategic partnerships and customer relationships.
Date: 3rd May, 2011
Venue: Australian Industry Group, 202 Boundary Street,
Spring Hill,
Brisbane QLD 4004
Contact: For more information and to register, please contact louise.mcgrath@aigroup.asn.au.
Other Events incl. Austrade/TradeStart:
Austrade
EMDG Coaching Session
These small-group, personalised sessions will help you get EMDG ready and maximise your grant entitlement. Sessions will be run by senior grants staff and will cover a range of topics including introduction to EMDG, how to plan for EMDG, how to apply for EMDG and how to get the best out of the EMDG scheme. Coaching sessions will be held in most capital cities and regional areas Australia-wide.
Date: 27 Oct 2011
Venue: Austrade Brisbane,
Level 16, 307 Queen Street,
Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Cost: FREE
Contact: For more information click here.
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