MEDIA RELEASE
20 March 2007
For immediate release
TRADE EXPO PRAISED AT BUSINESS FORUM
The Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade), Peter O’Byrne, has hailed the Trade Expo at this year’s Australia-PNG Business Forum in Cairns, Australia, as a “new and significant development”.
Mr O’Byrne said the Trade Expo was being jointly sponsored for the first time by Austrade and its equivalent in PNG, the PNG Investment Promotion Authority.
Speaking at the opening of the expo on Sunday, he said: “The aim by the Business Council of PNG and the Australia-PNG Business Council, together with Austrade and the PNG Investment Promotion Authority, to put a greater trade focus on the Australia-PNG Business Forum, has succeeded.
“A range of business sectors are represented in the 28 booths included in this Trade Expo, which is a new and significant development.
“The Cairns business community has been given a valuable opportunity to meet with potential trading partners in PNG – our closest international neighbour.
“This development demonstrates a healthy business relationship between Australia and PNG –– backed by the figures.
“Two-way trade stands at A$3.7 billion and Australia continues to export a wider range of goods and services to PNG than any other country –– about A$1.4 billion worth last year. This business relationship keeps PNG and Australia close and there are good prospects for further development.”
Mr O’Byrne reminded guests at the opening that Austrade could assist Australian businesses with visit programs and appointments to minimise downtime in the market and maximise output. He said Austrade could also convey opportunities from PNG businesses looking for Australian suppliers and partners.
The Forum, organised by the Australia Papua New Guinea Business Council, in association with the Business Council of Papua New Guinea, ran from 18 to 20 March. This year’s theme was “Australia and Papua New Guinea: Business As Usual”.
The Forum is the major annual bilateral business meeting between Australia and PNG.
Media Inquiries: Raymond Palangat, Public Diplomacy Officer, T: 325 9333 ext 454