KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Sept. 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Moving from a strategic understanding that Asia is important for Australian business to a working relationship that is mutually beneficial has taken longer than expected despite many companies have been making considerable gains in the region. To explore and discuss the opportunities of Australian companies in Asia, the conference -- TRADING UP 'Accessing Opportunities for Australian Business in Asia' will be held from 9th to 11th November 2016, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia.
The conference will bring together leading Australian companies that are already established in Asia, Australian companies in the early stages of expanding into Asia coupled with Asian companies with interests in Australia or looking to establish partnerships. Delegates will hear from high profile speakers who have already made an impact on different markets in the region through industry-specific development workshops and 5 plenary sessions.
The social highlight of the conference will be the MABC Gala Dinner, especially for those starved of Australian entertainment as Australia's Queen of Soul, Kate Ceberano will entertain guest from Australia and the region.
Tim Harcourt, who is formerly the Chief Economist of the Australian Trade Commission (AUSTRADE), also an experienced economics commentator, best-selling author and host of the popular program 'The Airport Economist' stated 'Australia, will be leading the discussion with top CEO's from the region. The Australian Business Asia's regional conference aptly named TRADING UP which is themed 'Accessing Opportunities for Australian Business in Asia'. The event will represent the largest convergence of Australian business chambers in Asia and will bring a target audience of over 500 delegates to Malaysia to explore the opportunities that growing demand in Asia has created.
When asked to comment on why is Asia so important for Australian Business, Tim Harcourt stated "Australia used to talk about 'the tyranny of distance' now we talk about 'the power of proximity' as 80 per cent of Australia's exports got to Asia. The 21st century is 'the Asian century' and Australia needs to make sure it is in the right place at the right time."
A recent survey confirmed what the ongoing research earlier indicated -- many companies have been making considerable gains in the Asia but there are still considerable gaps. Now the regional grouping of the 17 Australian Chambers of Commerce in Asia know as Australia Business Asia has made its mission to be at the cutting edge of this trend shaping business in the region.
Key economic indicators and statistics point to the fact that Australia needs to be more involved in Asia's economy 'Trade wise Australia has probably got it about right. One the investment side, there's a bit of an imbalance in the sense that many of our main trading partners invest in Australia but there's not so much outward investment the other way. Education and Tourism is like trade with Asia playing an important role.'
"When you look at where exporters sell to 14 out of the top 20 destinations are in Asia. For example over 5,600 exporters sell goods to China alone plus many through Hong Kong. There are Australian companies that have based themselves in Asia too which can vary from 3,000 in China to only 100 or so in Japan," continued Tim.
As both federal and state governments look to facilitate trade and investment with Asia 'The federal government plays a crucial role in economic diplomacy in forging free trade agreements to remove tariffs and other trade barriers, leading mission and so on. Embassies play a vital role and Ambassadors are very active in business engagement in Asian markets backed up by Austrade's services to SME exporters.
All of the state governments in Australia continue to court markets in Asia 'They all play a role but I am most familiar with South Australia where the Premier Jay Weatherill plays a hands on role in trade missions to China, India and ASEAN and the Vietnamese born Governor Hieu Van Le is also active.'
About Australian Business Asia
Australian Business Asia comprises of the 17 Australian Chambers of Commerce and Australian Business Councils across Asia tasked to build the relationships between Australia and Asia which will ultimately increase the level of Australian business involvement in the region.
FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS & CONFERENCE OR MEDIA ENQUIRIES
For follow up questions and comments are available or if you would like to attend the conference please contact:
Ms. Farra Alia
Media Relations
Australia Business Asia & MABC Secretariat:
C-26-3A, 3 Two Square, No 2 Jalan 19/1, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan
Tel: (603) 7960-9490/ Fax: (603) 7960-9489
Email: ausbizasia@mabc.org.my
Conference website: www.AusBizAsia.com
Website: www.mabc.org.my
