On 19 February 2008, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke announced details of a comprehensive, independent review into Australia's quarantine and biosecurity systems.  This is the first major review of quarantine and biosecurity since the former Labor Government commissioned a review by Professor Malcolm Nairn in 1995.

The independent review was asked to consider a range of issues including:

• the functions of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) and Biosecurity Australia; 
• the effectiveness of import and export inspection and certification; 
• the scope and adequacy of the current animal and plant quarantine arrangements, and; 
• previous reports on Australia’s quarantine and biosecurity arrangements.

The panel is due to deliver its report and recommendations to the Minister by 31 July 2008.

For more information contact CCI's Warren Barbetti on (08) 9365 7720 or e-mail: warren.barbetti@cciwa.com

According to China's General Administration of Customs (GAC), as from 1 April 2008, a new enterprise categorisation system will be implemented under which consignors and consignees of imports and exports as well as customs agents will be classified into five categories - AA, A, B, C and D.

Category AA and A enterprises will be eligible for express customs clearance procedures; category B will be subject to regular measures; while category C and D enterprises will be put under strict surveillance.

Enterprises meeting the respective criteria may file their applications with the local customs authorities via the customs office at the place where they are registered.

For details of the new enterprise categorisation system in Chinese visit:

http://www.customs.gov.cn/YWStaticPage/433/4c0797e5.htm

Mainland China's consumer price inflation hit an 11 year high of 7.1 per cent year-on-year in January 2008, due partly to seasonal factor (the Lunar New Year) and the snowstorm in January-February which disrupted supply. More fundamental reasons were the persistent increase in global commodity and food prices plus strong domestic demand.

With exports continuing to grow strongly in January, mainland China is yet to feel the impact of slower US economic growth and a stronger renminbi on its economy.

Mounting inflationary pressure and foreign trade surplus have forced the Government to cap the growth of money supply (M2) at 16 per cent for 2008, and a similar growth target for bank loans. The same factors may also force the Government to appreciate the renminbi further, not just against the US dollar, but also against other major currencies.

Though international food and commodity prices are still rising, the Government's administrative measures to control prices together with a tight monetary policy and a stronger renminbi will help keep inflation from rising out of control.

China's inflation rate, as measured by the consumer price index (CPI), reached 7.1 per cent (year-on-year) in January 2008, the highest since September 1996 (Exhibit 1). The latest inflation hike is disturbing given that China has frozen the prices of daily necessities since 10 January. The snowstorm that hit most parts of the country heavily between mid-January and mid-February was one reason for the surge of inflation in January. Heavy snowstorm disrupted the supply of staple goods such as coal, which is vital for power generation in China. It also damaged power supply networks and resulted in heavy losses of agricultural produce in some regions.

There was also the seasonal factor; the Lunar New Year that fell in early February this year as against late February in 2007. Prices usually rise more in periods prior to and during the Lunar New Year holidays. Disruptive supply and strong demand kept food prices high. In January, food prices rose 18.2 per cent year-on-year following an increase of 16.7 per cent in December, and were responsible for 86 per cent of the increase in the CPI.

China's consumer prices have been rising steadily since early 2007, but the pace of increase started to accelerate in the second half of 2007 as food prices surged, notably the price of pork. Food prices rose by just 5 per cent year-on-year in January 2007. But they jumped to 11 per cent by June and further to 18 per cent by October, and have stayed at around 17-18 per cent since. With a weighting of 1/3 in the CPI and relatively stable non-food prices, the sustained surge of food prices since 2007 was responsible for over 80 per cent of the increase in CPI in the last 6 months.

(Source: Hong Kong Trade Development Council; Hang Seng Bank)

The International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce and the Secretariat of the ICC Court have decided to locate new offices in Hong Kong and Singapore.

In recognition of the growing importance of the Asia Pacific region to ICC Dispute Resolution Services and the ICC International Court of Arbitration, ICC announced in September 2007, its intention to establish a branch of the Court’s Secretariat in Asia to administer ICC cases in the region.

ICC has now decided on two important initiatives:  

• it will open a branch of the Secretariat of the Court in Hong Kong with a case management team to administer cases in the region under the ICC Rules of Arbitration, and; 
• it will locate the Director, ICC Arbitration and Amicable Dispute Resolution Asia in Singapore, where it will open a liaison office dedicated to ICC Dispute Resolution Services.

Both initiatives will be implemented in the last quarter of 2008 and should be fully operational by the end of the year.

The Australian Institute of Export has announced that its Western Australian operational base will return to CCI after an absence of about a decade.

In announcing the move at the recent WA launch of the 2008 Export Heroes Awards, Chairman of the Institute's WA Advisory Council, Michael O’Callaghan, said the Institute was looking forward to re-establishing the previously very close relationship with the Chamber, thus enabling exporters to take full advantage of the synergies between the two organisations. The CCI International Trade Centre will be the Institute’s ‘front door’ in Western Australia.

Under the arrangement, AIEx will re-join CCIWA as a member of the WA International Alliance and be represented on the CCIWA International Trade Committee. CCIWA will re-join AIEX and be represented on the AIEx Advisory Council (WA).

CCIWA will provide a full secretariat facility to the AIEx Advisory Council (WA) and organisational support services for membership, training courses, functions and events, AIEx publication sales, marketing and promotion. AIEx training courses conducted in WA will be co-badged with CCIWA.

For further information contact Ian Whitaker, Senior Trade Adviser, International Trade Centre, Tel: 08 9365 7684, ian.whitaker@cciwa.com

Ms Stephanie Shwabsky has been appointed as Australia's new Ambassador to Egypt with concurrent accreditation to a number of other regional states. Ms Shwabsky will replace Dr Bob Bowker who has been Ambassador since January 2005. Ms Shwabsky is expected to take up her appointment in May 2008.

Ms Shwabsky is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and has served as Ambassador to Lebanon (2002-06), Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission in East Timor (2000 02) and Cambodia (1996-99). She has also served in Colombo, Nairobi, Dhaka, Hanoi and Bonn.

Each week the International Trade Centre at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia receives buy/sell offers and trade enquiries from overseas. A list of these offers and demands is available by clicking on the following link:

http://www.cciwa.com/trade/Trade_Enquiries.aspx

The 17th annual edition of the International Trade Handbook, published by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia, is now available.

The 216 page handbook is the only guide written specifically for Western Australian exporters and importers. Chapters include:

• Setting up and Export/Import Business
• Contracts in International Trade
• Australian Import and Export Regulations
• Australia's Free Trade Agreements
• Exporting: A Practical Guide
• Export Market Development Grants
• Importing: A Practical Guide
• International Trade Finance, Payments and Foreign Exchange Management
• Intellectual Property in International Trade
• Electronic Commerce for Importers and Exporters
• Dispute Resolution in International Trade

There is also a comprehensive glossary of the language of international trade and contact details for all government and private organisations and companies that are able to assist exporters and importers.

Copies can be purchased from the International Trade Centre, Mezzanine Level, 180 Hay Street, East Perth, or contact Ms Alecia Clark for an order form on Tel: 9365 7620 or documentation@cciwa.com. Price: A$16.50 (CCI Members); A$33.00 (non-members), including GST.

"Western Australia: Key Data 2008"

"Western Australia: Key Data" is a 33 page pocket-sized, colour booklet full of information and statistical data on Western Australia’s business, economic and social  climate. It is ideal for inclusion in corporate information kits for overseas clients and business visitors to Western Australia.

Copies are available from the International Trade Centre, Mezzanine Level, 180 Hay Street, East Perth, or contact Ms Alecia Clark for an order form on Tel: 9365 7620 or documentation@cciwa.com. Price: A$1.10 per copy including GST. Special Offer: 50 per cent discount on orders of 50 or more.

Exports of agricultural and food products from Western Australia to the Middle East are expected to grow significantly over the next five years, according to Western Australian Minister for Agriculture and Food, Kim Chance.

Returning from a 16-day trade development mission to the Middle East, the Minister said there are new opportunities for increasing trade in meat, grains and live animals as well as horticulture, dairy products, fodder and stockfeed to the region.

The Minister visited Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Libya.

"The growing demand from the Middle East is due to several factors including a rapidly increasing population, the realisation that it isn't economical to use scarce water resources on low-value irrigated agricultural production, and the need to secure food supplies in the face of rising food prices," the Minister said.

"Several private sector groups I met expressed an interest in increasing their investments in the WA livestock sector, including meat processing and the introduction of new sheep breeds in high demand within the region. Introducing new breeds such as the Saudi Arabian Nejdi and the Naimi could increase returns for sheep-meat producers by up to 50 per cent."

Mr Chance said he was pleased to report the successful resumption of live exports of cattle and sheep to Libya. Libya was at one time the major destination for the export of live cattle from WA.

In the first visit to Yemen by an agricultural trade delegation from Western Australia, the Minister reported there was strong interest in importing more wheat from Australia.

Fremantle was Australia's fastest growing container port in January 2008, recording a 13.7 per cent increase in box traffic for the month, Lloyd's List DCN reported.

The report, based on consolidated port corporation statistics compiled by Macquarie Research, said trade through Australia's top four container ports was up 7.7 per cent in January, less than the overall growth of 9.1 per cent so far in 2007/08.

Container trade through Brisbane grew 10.9 per cent in the seven months to January, bouncing back 18.7 per cent in January, after poor results in the November/December period.

A new Ministerial Council on International Trade is being established to better coordinate trade-related activities and reforms by Australia's federal and state governments.

The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to establish the new Council.

In a media release, Australian Trade Minister Simon Crean, said the establishment of the Council on International Trade reflects the importance that COAG places on improving Australia's trade performance and its contribution to Australia's economic growth.

A key focus of the Council will be to restore Australia's level of productivity and international competitiveness through better dialogue and cooperation on a broad range of trade-related issues. This is the first time that federal and state trade and trade-related strategies have been brought together under one high-level body.

The Minister said the Council would also focus on reducing barriers behind the border; streamlining regulations; rules and administrative procedures; government procurement; competition policy; and facilitating the flow of goods and services to international markets, including through infrastructure development.

"This is our 'twin pillars' approach to trade: reform at the border - to improve market access, and reform behind the border - to create a more productive and competitive economy," the Minister said.

The Council will facilitate cooperation between the federal, state and territory governments on measures to enhance Australia's international competitiveness and export performance; and to consult on major issues such as:

• international trade negotiations at the multilateral, regional and bilateral level; 
• trade development and trade promotion activities; 
• investment promotion and international business activities, and; 
• domestic competitiveness issues related to export performance and productivity.

Membership of the Council will include the Minister for Trade as chair and state and territory counterparts.

Over 630 people nationwide attended Austrade's fourth 'Riding the Elephant Seminar Series', of which 80 guests attended the Perth seminar co-hosted by CCIWA. You have taken the first step towards successfully doing business in India. What now? Mike Moignard, Senior Trade Commissioner, South Asia, Austrade New Delhi, offers assistance as follows:

• Step 1: Speak to an in-market specialist

Austrade welcomes your interest in India and we are eager to assist you with your endeavours to do business in this exciting market. Our teams in India have expertise across a diverse range of sectors and look forward to working with you.

We encourage you to contact the relevant Industry Team Leader below who will respond with some recommendations for your consideration.

Services
Education, financial and legal services, corporate training, media and entertainment

sabina.jain@austrade.gov.au

Advanced Manufacturing and Technology

Aviation, ICT, biotech, health and medical, machinery and equipment, defence

ajit.mangrulkar@austrade.gov.au

Agribusiness and Food

Processed food, ingredients, fresh produce, commodities, agri services and equipment, livestock

tahir.mahmood@austrade.gov.au

Infrastructure, Energy and Mining

Infrastructure, building materials, minerals, mining equipment technology and services, oil and gas

partha.sen@austrade.gov.au

Emerging Sectors

Retail, franchising, marine, equine, environment

adil.mohamed@austrade.gov.au

Australian British Chamber of Commerce Networking Event

"The Global Credit Crunch"

Is the WA economy immune from contagion?

Has the credit crunch tidal-wave generated by the sub-prime crisis in the US inflicted any significant long term damage on the US or European economies? How does this affect the Australian economy, and what stage is it at now? What is the trend and what can we expect in the short and medium term? To what extent has Australia de-coupled from the US via engagement with China's appetite for commodities, and could this shift in WA interest have any future repercussions?

Speakers:

• Mr Alan Langford, Chief Economist, Bankwest HBOSA
• Mr John Nicolaou, Chief Economist, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia

This event is proudly supported by Bankwest HBOS Australia Group and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia.

Date:	Thursday 3 April 2008
Time:	6.00pm - 7.30pm
Venue:	Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Western Australia 180 Hay Street, East Perth WA 6004
Cost:	$45.00 (ABCC and CCIWA members); $55.00 non-members
Registration:	Tel: 0429 001 995 or 9365 7684

Understanding Incoterms: Training Course

Learn about the purpose and application of trade terms in international trade contracts. This workshop will introduce you to the terms most commonly used in export/import contracts and the universally accepted definitions of the terms (EXW, FCA, FAS, FOB, CFR, CIF, CIP, DAS, DDU and DDP). Cost includes a copy of Incoterms 2000.

Date:	Monday 21 April 2008
Time:	8:30am – 11.30pm
Venue:	Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Western Australia 180 Hay Street, East Perth WA 6004
Cost:	$250.00 members; $300.00 non-members
Registration:	Tel: 08 9365 7500; training@cciwa.com or online at www.cciwa.com

The Federal Government introduced legislation into Parliament last week, which increased the funding for the Export Market Development Grants scheme (EMDG) by $50m for financial year 2008-09, meaning that grant payments in 2009-10 will benefit from the increase. 

The legislation also made the threshold criteria more generous, increasing the maximum grant by $50,000 to $200,000, lifting the maximum turnover limit from $30 million to $50 million, and reducing the minimum expenditure threshold by $5000 to $10,000.  Other changes include:

• patent costs being added to the scheme;
• access being given for non-profit export development bodies;
• the accountability mechanism called "the net benefit to Australia test" being restored, and; 
• all services being eligible unless otherwise specified. 

The scheme will be under-funded by $27 million this year and is also likely to be under-funded in 2008-09. 

The Federal Government has released the first Annual Review of Development Effectiveness.

The Rudd Government came into office with a commitment not only to increase Australia's overseas aid, in line with the growing contributions of other developed nations, but also to make it more effective.

The review finds that Australian aid activities are well managed and overall achieving good results, with more than three-quarters of them on track to achieve their objectives in 2006-07, ranging from better budgeting to stronger service delivery.

It also finds that one of the biggest challenges facing Australia's aid program is that around half of its country funding is directed to 'fragile states' in the Asia-Pacific region, more than any other OECD donor.

Parliamentary secretary for International Development Assistance, Senator Bob McMullan, said Australia has a profound commitment to such nations in the Asia-Pacific region and will continue to work with them towards greater prosperity and stability.

The review identified five opportunities to strengthen aid effectiveness:

• broadening the ways Australia engages in fragile states 
• supporting reform in the larger economies of Asia 
• strengthening performance orientation 
• getting the most from technical assistance 
• meeting gender equality commitments

"Work on these issues is already underway, particularly in the context of the Pacific Development Partnerships, which the Prime Minister announced during his recent visit to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands," Senator McMullan said.

"We will use the lessons from the review to further improve the program as we meet our commitment to increase overseas aid from 0.3 per cent of national income in 2007-08, to 0.5 per cent by 2015."

In a recent meeting with Pascal Lamy, director general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) secretary General Guy Sebban, reiterated the support of world business for a final push to conclude the Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations by the end of the year.

As negotiations intensify regarding striking an agreement on cuts in farm and non-farm tariffs, Mr Lamy told ICC he was hopeful that the terms of the agricultural and non-agricultural market access (NAMA) portions of the Doha Development Agenda could be agreed in a matter of weeks. In general, NAMA products include manufacturing products, fuels and mining products, fish and fish products, and forestry products.

If those terms are agreed by May, Mr Lamy is optimistic that a deal could also be struck in the rules and services areas of the round during the following months, and that the round could be successfully concluded by the end of December.

"I am glad for the support that ICC has given to the Doha Round and to the multilateral trading system," said Mr Lamy. "Today, as the negotiations enter into a decisive moment, the voice of business is a reminder to negotiators that it is time they walk the last mile. I count on ICC to continue making the case for a rapid conclusion of the Doha Round."

International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has announced that its popular NetCase platform, which allows arbitrations to be conducted online 24 hours a day from any computer in the world, has been upgraded to integrate a full text search tool.

NetCase has been regularly improved since it was launched by ICC in November 2005. Now, in addition to searching for documents, users are able to conduct full text searches in their case documents posted on NetCase, irrespective of the format.

Lawyers and arbitrators have responded very favourably to the platform since its launch, describing it as an impressive and efficient tool for case management. They have reported that uploading documents in NetCase was much faster than in platforms they usually used with state tribunals, where filings were made exclusively online.

NetCase is available at no additional charge to participants in ICC arbitration.

Features of the system include:

• updated information in real time; 
• forums that enable participants to exchange views in a secure environment, instead of sending unprotected emails;  
• immediate availability of posted documents and messages; for every new posting, an alert message is sent to users, and; 
• ability to post very large documents and numerous documents in several file formats.

Guidelines for using information technology in arbitration are available to assist NetCase users. They were published in a special supplement of the ICC International Court of Arbitration Bulletin entitled "Using Technology to Resolve Business Disputes".

Visit www.iccwbo.org for more information. 

New laws have been introduced into Federal Parliament which will strengthen border enforcement powers for Customs officers.

Under current laws, Customs officers can board a ship or aircraft to search for weapons, drugs and other prohibited items that may be concealed on board. If evidence such as drugs are found, officers can arrest the people on board, but they have not had the power to immediately search anyone on board a suspicious vessel or aircraft. 

The Minister for Home Affairs Bob Debus, said Customs officers have increasingly faced situations where there is resistance to them boarding foreign ships suspected of being involved in illegal activities.

He said these situations also often mean evidence is disposed of before it can be secured by Customs.

"The new powers are appropriate as they’ll significantly reduce the threat of harm to officers while helping prevent escapes and the destruction or disposal of evidence," Mr Debus said.

Another amendment to the Customs Amendment (Strengthening Border Controls) Bill 2008 will also allow Customs to set up public surrender bins at airports so non- dangerous items can be disposed of easily, such as:

• electric fly swatters 
• toys and other products made from real dog or cat fur 
• toys or cosmetics containing excessive amounts of lead

Items deemed a high risk to the community won't be allowed in the bins including firearms, drugs and certain therapeutic items such as human growth hormones and steroids.

"This will give Customs officers greater flexibility in dealing with prohibited imports that are low value and low risk," Mr Debus said.

Click here to register

Learn more about the purpose and application of common trade terms and become more successful in conducting international transactions involving the sale and purchase of goods.

Outcomes

This program will help you understand why trade terms are used to specify the terms and conditions of international trade contracts. It will also introduce you to the most commonly used trade terms (e.g. FOB, CIF) and to understand the universally accepted definitions of those terms – Incoterms.

Participants will learn how to apply Incoterms to international trade transactions.

Content

• trade terms - why use them?
• incoterms - how to use them
• negotiating the export/import transaction
• choice of terms eg. EXW, FOB, FCA, CFR, CIF, CIP, DDP etc.
• buyer and seller obligations under each term

Duration: Half day

Date: 21 April 2008

Course times: 8.30am - 12.00pm (8.15am registration)

Program fee: $250 members; $300 non-members (Includes a comprehensive reference book)

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia has become one of the first Chambers in the world to issue Certificates of Origin electronically, through a new service called eCert.

eCert enables exporters to have their export documents certified and returned to them electronically. Certified documents can be processed and returned from CCIWA to an exporter’s email inbox within minutes.

eCert gives exporters the most efficient means of obtaining stamped and signed Certificates of Origin, Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists and other export documents. An approved certificate is returned from CCIWA via email without the need for engaging expensive couriers.

eCert combines electronic signature capabilities to process, capture and store all information that is unique to each transaction.

Because eCert is delivered as a zero-download solution, no additional software or hardware is required by users. Users simply ‘click-to-sign’ within their web browsers to electronically review and sign documents, while the solution works behind the scenes to produce the electronic evidence, and create compliant and auditable, electronic records.

The benefits of eCert include:

• reduced costs – eliminates the need for couriers;
• reduces waiting time - documents can be certified and returned in minutes;
• certified documents can be printed on-site if required, minimising delays, and;
• notification regarding certificate acceptance or rejection via email.

To use eCert, exporters must first be registered with CCIWA. 

CCIWA is authorised to issue documentary evidence of origin by the Australian Government in accordance with the relevant international conventions.

For more information visit: http://www.cciwa.com/trade/Documentation__Paperwork.aspx

Need to send goods abroad on a temporary basis? Save time, money and customs hassles with an ATA Carnet!

The ATA Carnet is an international customs document that permits duty-free temporary import of goods for up to one year into more than 60 countries worldwide. In Western Australia, CCIWA is the exclusive issuing authority for ATA Carnets.

ATA Carnets cover commercial samples, professional equipment and goods for exhibition at trade fairs, shows and displays.

Computer, repair tools, photographic and film equipment, musical instruments, industrial machinery, jewellery, clothing, medical appliances, rally cars, rock group sound systems and aircraft are just some of the items that cross borders without customs hassles thanks to ATA Carnets.

ATA Carnets cut costs to exporters en route by eliminating customs duties, value added taxes and other taxes, and also the need to post securities with customs.

Find out more about the benefits of ATA Carnets in this special seminar, brought to you by CCI's International Trade Centre and the Custom Brokers & Forwarders Council of Australia Inc., and supported by Westralia Airports Corporation and the Australian Customs Service.

Date:	Wednesday 30 April 2008
Time:	09.00 – 11.00 (registrations 08.45)
Venue:	Conference Room, Ground Floor, Perth International Airport Passenger Terminal, Horrie Miller Drive, Kewdale
Cost:	Free (discount parking voucher provided)
Register:	ian.whitaker@cciwa.com (registration is essential)
Information:	Tel: (08) 9365 7717

The Australian Minister for Trade, Simon Crean, has announced that Australia and India have agreed terms of reference for the Australia-India free trade agreement (FTA) feasibility study.

Australian and Indian officials held their first meeting in New Delhi last week and the study is expected to be completed by early 2009.

"The FTA study will consider the feasibility of a comprehensive World Trade Organisation-consistent agreement covering trade in goods, services and investment. The study will consider how an FTA might help take the economic partnership to a stronger level," Mr Crean said.

The Government is seeking the views of key stakeholders, including business and state and territory governments, in developing Australia’s approach to the study. Tariff liberalisation and the removal of other impediments to the trade in goods will be a key focus of the study.

In relation to services, the study will consider the scope for broad sectoral liberalisation including consideration of mutual recognition agreements and the movement of business personnel.

The study will also consider other key issues such as intellectual property rights, competition policy, government procurement, sanitary and phytosanitary issues, and technical barriers to trade.

Australian exporters can now apply for hospitality packages to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, to be used to host existing or prospective international customers.

Business Club Australia (BCA) can assist Australian companies visiting China and North East Asia by incorporating customised business assistance in their visit, including identifying and introducing them to potential Chinese business partners, arranging personalised meetings and providing tailored market research (Austrade’s hourly rates apply for these services).

The Hilton Hotel, Beijing will be the epicentre of Australian business activities during the Olympic Games. In the heart of the city and close to key sporting venues, the Hilton Hotel is an ideal venue for BCA Beijing 2008 to host networking events bringing the Australian and Chinese business communities together. Business Club Australia will be open for the duration of the Games – 8 to 24 August 2008. The events calendar is currently being finalised. For further information and to register your interest, visit www.austrade.gov.au.

Ambassador to Burma

Ms Michelle Chan has been appointed as Australia’s new Ambassador to Burma.  Ms Chan will succeed Mr Bob Davis who has been Ambassador since April 2005.  Ms Chan is expected to take up her appointment in June 2008.

Ms Chan was most recently Assistant Secretary, South-East Asia (South) and Regional Issues Branch of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (2006-07).  She has served overseas as Counsellor, later Minister-counsellor in Jakarta (2002-05), Second Secretary in Hanoi (1998) and Second Secretary in Phnom Penh (1996-98).

Coaching sessions to help exporters understand the Export Market Development Grants scheme (EMDG) and prepare grant application have now commenced across Australia. 

For more information and to register to attend a session, visit:  www.austrade.gov.au/exportgrants/coaching

Australian businesses can now access a comprehensive report ‘Opportunities in Infrastructure and Resources Sector in India’ to maximise business opportunities in India; Australia's fastest-growing major export market.

The report compiled for Austrade by KPMG India, identifies key resource and infrastructure developments and projects in India.

Mr Mike Moignard, Austrade’s Senior Trade Commissioner in New Delhi says structural reforms over the last decade have helped India become one of the world's fastest growing emerging economies. 

“A new era of growth has opened with massive deregulation of India’s market, including elimination of complex licensing rules and many public monopolies, and relaxation of foreign direct investment guidelines,” Mr Moignard said.
 
“Operating in a market of this size is not without challenges, but it’s a market in which Australian innovation and expertise will find exciting new avenues for business success. Australian businesses wanting to learn about prospects in the multi-billion dollar Indian market are encouraged to read the report and participate in the industry briefings conducted by Austrade and KPMG,” he said.

Mr Kumar Parakala, KPMG Australia’s India Business Practice National Leader, said there are immediate opportunities which Australian companies can target in the next 12 months worth more than $50 billion.

“Some of the larger Australian companies are working in India and some are in the process of entry, but others need to move fast to compete with companies from the UK, USA and Spain which have expertise in this area and are very eager to participate in the Indian market,” Mr Parakala said.

“A large percentage of the investment will come from the private sector including foreign direct investment which, to a large part, is freely allowed in the infrastructure sector in India.

“Opportunities are emerging in the power sector in coal and alternative energy; the transport sector in roads, ports, airports and railways, and for companies that support these sectors such as construction, EPC contractors, equipment and services,” he added.

India has experienced rapid growth at an average 7.6 per cent over the past five years and 9.4 per cent in 2006-07. Australian exports to India are growing in excess of 25 per cent and India’s middle class of over 241 million is putting exciting new opportunities on the radar. For example; more than 200 malls are planned for construction in the next 18 months – making India home to the fastest growing mall development in the world.

Austrade and KPMG will deliver industry briefings and one-on-one sessions about the report with companies across Australia. Register online at www.austrade.gov.au or call Austrade on 13 28 78.

The World Chambers Federation (WCF), a division of the peak global business organisation, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), met last week in Paris with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) to explore ways to work together more systematically on facilitating international trade.

ICC and WCF have a long and successful history of public-private cooperation with WCO on trade facilitation projects, including the ATA Carnet system, which permits goods to be transported across borders temporarily exempt from customs duties.

In their meeting, WCF and WCO agreed to collaborate on several projects, such as: developing and promoting guidelines for international trade facilitation; liberalising the issuance of preferential Certificates of Origin; and creating international guidelines for the issuance of non-preferential Certificates of Origin.

During the meeting, the two organisations also discussed conducting joint training programmes on trade documentation and sharing information on trends in global trade in order to provide better services to the world business community.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia is a member of both ICC and WCF and is represented on the WCF Certificates of Origin Task Force.

Do you do business with India?  Will you do so in the future?

Does Australia-India trade affect your business?

Australia and India have agreed to undertake a joint feasibility study on the merits of a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries.  The study will address the impact on Australia and India of an FTA, including implications for economic activity, trade in goods, and services, investment and other commercial linkages.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) seeks your views on the merits of an Australia India Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA) and any market access issues and/or other factors affecting two way trade and investment with India.

Round-table consultations will be held in Perth on Thursday, 8 May 2008. Come and meet the AIFTA Feasibility Study team and find out what the issues are, discuss opportunities, and have your say on developments that might affect your business.

For further information on the feasibility study visit www.dfat.gov.au/geo/india/fta-study/.

Enquiries:  lyn.chapman@dfat.gov.au; Tel: (08) 9231 4472

Need to send goods abroad on a temporary basis? Save time, money and customs hassles with an ATA Carnet!

The ATA Carnet is an international customs document that permits duty-free temporary import of goods for up to one year into more than 60 countries worldwide. In Western Australia, CCIWA is the exclusive issuing authority for ATA Carnets.

ATA Carnets cover commercial samples, professional equipment and goods for exhibition at trade fairs, shows and displays.

Computers, repair tools, photographic and film equipment, musical instruments, industrial machinery, jewellery, clothing, medical appliances, rally cars, rock group sound systems and aircraft are just some of the items that cross borders without customs hassles thanks to ATA Carnets.

ATA Carnets cut costs to exporters en route by eliminating customs duties, value added taxes and other taxes, plus the need to post securities with customs.

Find out more about the benefits of ATA Carnets in this special seminar, brought to you by CCI's International Trade Centre and the Custom Brokers & Forwarders Council of Australia Inc. and supported by Westralia Airports Corporation and the Australian Customs Service.

Date:	Wednesday 30 April 2008
Time:	09.00 – 11.00 (registrations 08.45)
Venue:	Conference Room, Ground Floor, Perth International Airport Passenger Terminal, Horrie Miller Drive, Kewdale
Cost:	Free (discount parking voucher provided)
Register:	ian.whitaker@cciwa.com (registration is essential)
Information:	Tel: 9365 7717

Western Australia’s reputation as a global trade and investment partner will be enhanced with the state’s peak business organisation, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA, joining the Premier Alan Carpenter on an historic trade mission to Russia this week.

CCI chief executive James Pearson was invited by the Premier on the six day trip to St Petersburg, Moscow and Tomsk.

The mission will allow CCI and other delegates to showcase Western Australia to potential investors from the world's ninth largest economy. The Russian economy grew by nearly 8 per cent in 2007 to be worth US $1.25 trillion.

The expansion of the Russian economy presents opportunities for local business. Government, and industry groups such as CCI, will be well positioned to establish partnerships to capitalise on this expansion.

The natural resources base of the Russian economy and the strong tradition of scientific research offers opportunities for WA to capitalise on our strengths in mining, oil and gas, and medical and other science.

Russia has abundant reserves of natural resources and in recent years has become the world’s largest exporter of natural gas and oil.

Like WA, the Russian economy is riding the wave of resources led expansion and has experienced eight consecutive years of strong growth. As a result, Australia’s exports to Russia have grown by 266 per cent over the past five years from A$180 million in 2002 to A$660 million in 2007.

The importance of WA and Russia to the world economy, potential trade and investment opportunities, and the formation of new partnerships will be discussed when the delegation meets senior Russian government, business, mining and trade officials.

The six day trip is another opportunity for Western Australia to cement its role as a major global and national economic player and form trade links that will reinforce the state’s strong economic performance for many years to come.

The Board of Investment (BOI) is the national agency of the Government of Mauritius and is responsible for promoting and facilitating inwards investment globally.   

Mauritius is strategically located in the Indian Ocean, midway between the developing continents of Asia, Africa, and Australia. Its geographical location, open and healthy economy, combined with strong democratic governance allows Mauritius to position itself as a “gateway” to Africa and the Western Indian Ocean region.

The BOI is seeking to promote new opportunities for Australian companies with Mauritius in international business services, manufacturing, agri-business, energy, environment, IT services, logistics and distribution, integrated resort schemes, real estate hotel development and shopping malls.

BOI will hold an investment workshop at CCI in Perth on 12 May 2008 to brief the Western Australian business community on the excellent opportunities Mauritius has to offer.  Attendance is free of charge.

For information on investment in Mauritius visit www.investmentmauritius.com

To register for the investment workshop click here

For further information contact Julie.stevenson@cciwa.com Tel: 08 9365 7702

Australian Trade Minister Simon Crean, has welcomed the key findings of a non-government study into the feasibility of a free trade agreement between Australia and the Republic of Korea (ROK).

The joint non-government report finds that an Australia-Korea FTA could boost Australia’s GDP by up to US$22.7 billion and Korea’s GDP by up to US$29.6 billion, in the period 2007-2020.

The Minister said the study clearly shows there is scope for a high-quality Australia-Korea free trade agreement that comprehensively liberalises two-way trade in goods and services as well as investment.

“This joint study is a helpful contribution to our discussions with Korea on commencing FTA negotiations.

“We are committed to pushing ahead with FTA efforts at the same time as we press for the strongest possible outcome in the Doha Round of world trade talks”, the Minister said.

Officials from Australia and the ROK met in Seoul recently to discuss the report and the next steps towards an agreement.

The study on the FTA was done by Melbourne-based trade consultancy ITS Global and the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy. Mr Crean emphasised that the study is not an official report and that the Australian and Korean governments do not necessarily agree with all of its conclusions.

The Republic of Korea is Australia’s third largest merchandise export market. Two-way trade in goods and services between our two countries was worth A$21 billion in 2006-07.

The report is available at: www.dfat.gov.au/geo/rok/fta/

The Australian Minister for Trade Simon Crean has returned from a visit to Beijing and Shanghai where he held meetings with senior Chinese government and party leaders.

His visit was designed to build momentum in the free trade agreement negotiations between China and Australia.  China agreed to “unfreeze” negotiations following the visit of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to China earlier this month. 

Mr Crean once again re-stated that “the Australian Government is committed to concluding a high-quality, comprehensive FTA with China that brings real benefits to Australian industry.” China is Australia's largest overall trading partner, our second largest export market both for goods (including agriculture), and our third largest market for services.  

Mr Crean's visit also followed the signing earlier this month of the New Zealand - China Free Trade Agreement (NZCFTA).  In a first, the FTA includes a movement of people clause which gives New Zealand businesses direct access to skilled workers from China in certain occupations where long term skills shortages exist. In a Service's paper written for the 2020 Summit, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry called for Australia to look at adopting a similar clause in its FTA negotiations with China and India.  The NZCFTA also provides for the removal over time of tariffs on 96 per cent of New Zealand exports to China and benefits New Zealand service providers as China expanded