Western Australia was again the nation's leading exporter in 2006-07, but the Northern Territory achieved the biggest export growth rate.  According to a publication released by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Territory exports jumped 41 per cent over the year.

All states and territories recorded increases in exports compared with the previous fiscal year.
Total exports for Australia were A$214 billion (up 10 per cent from 2005-06) consisting of:

• Western Australia A$66.0 billion
• New South Wales A$50.8 billion
• Queensland A$44 billion
  Victoria A$33.1 billion
• South Australia A$10.7 billion
• Northern Territory A$4.1 billion
  Tasmania A$4 billion
• Australian Capital Territory  A$960 million 

Northern Territory exports have jumped as a result of significant natural gas exports coming on stream (up 267 per cent to A$1.2 billion). Crude petroleum exports from the Northern Territory also increased 20 per cent to A$676 million.

China was the top export destination for WA, NSW and Victoria, while Japan was the main market for Queensland, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.  The US was the number one export destination for South Australia and the ACT. 

Imports rose by 8 per cent to A$225 billion.  NSW was the largest importing State followed by Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia.

The figures are contained in Australia's Trade by State and Territory 2006-07, a DFAT trade analysis publication, which provides a complete statistical guide to exports and imports of goods and services for every State and Territory on a financial year basis. 

It is available free on the DFAT website at http://www.dfat.gov.au

Now you will receive CCI news and updates relevant to you and your business on a weekly basis.
CCI is pleased to announce the launch of its customised electronic news service CCI Business Bytes.
Beginning mid-March 2008, subscribers to CCI's hardcopy and electronic newsletters can choose the categories of content they receive each week.

This means that Trade Talk subscribers will receive the latest international trade news and events (International trade talk)  plus any of the other more than 25 categories of information you elect to receive.

We will automatically move your Trade Talk subscription to the new weekly service. You’ll receive more information about how to customise CCI Business Bytes in the next few weeks. 

In the meantime if you have any questions please phone (08) 9365 7691.

Exports of iron ore and crude petroleum from Western Australia rose strongly in 2006-07.  Recreational travel (services to overseas tourists) and copper ore exports were also major exports.   Key export markets were China, Japan, India, the Republic of Korea
and the UK.

• Exports up 26 per cent to A$64.6 billion -volumes up 8 per cent, prices up
  12 per cent
• Australia's largest exporter State with 30 per cent of Australia’s total exports
  Key export successes included:
• Iron ore up 21 per cent to A$15.3 billion (price up 13 per cent, volume up 7 per cent)
• Crude petroleum up 31 per cent to A$6.9 billion (price up 2 per cent, volume up 28 per cent)
• Gold exports up 46 per cent to A$10.4 billion but includes gold produced elsewhere and refined in WA.  Gold produced in WA and exported was valued at A$4.1 billion.
• Recreational travel (services to overseas tourists) up 10 per cent to A$1.3 billion
• Copper ores up 41 per cent to A$895 million (volume up 49 per cent, prices down 5 per cent)
• Nickel ores exports rose 60 per cent to A$1.3 billion but the volume fell by 16 per cent while prices rose 90 per cent
• Natural gas exports earned A$4billion but their total value fell by 1.3 per cent in 2006-07.
  

The global economy has worsened since the beginning of 2008 and will continue to decline in the next six months, according to the latest ICC/Ifo World Economic Survey.

World economic experts have revised the present economic situation downwards to its lowest level since mid-2003.

The survey received 1,004 responses from economic experts in 90 countries in January 2008 when financial markets around the world were experiencing record losses and instability due to increased concerns over the state of the US economy and the international ramifications of the sub prime mortgage crisis.

According to the experts, the sub prime crisis strongly aggravated a cyclical contraction of the global economy, notably in the US, Europe and some countries in Asia. The sharpest economic downturns were reported in the US, UK, Switzerland, Ireland, France, Spain Luxembourg and Japan.

Economists predicted that the negative impact of the sub prime crisis will be concentrated in the first half of 2008 and will subside thereafter.

Given the current instability of the global economy, business leaders urged governments to take action to shore up business confidence.

International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Chairman Marcus Wallenberg, who is also Chairman of SEB, Saab, and Electrolux, said: "The successful completion of the Doha Round of trade negotiations would go a long way toward boosting economic confidence in all markets. One set of global rules governing international commerce would create new trade opportunities and help stem protectionist pressures. Negotiators are very close to an agreement. If they could sign off on the deal in the next few months, people in all countries would benefit."

Members of the World Trade Organization have been working for more than six years on a multilateral trade deal that is designed to reduce tariffs and subsidies.

Guy Sebban, ICC Secretary General, said:  "What is needed now is greater political will at the top to make the necessary compromises to close the deal. The leaders of the G8 nations and major emerging economies, in particular, should take bold steps to reach an agreement as early as possible in the first half of this year."

The Ifo World Climate Index fell to 90.4 in January 2008, from 99.3 in October 2007, and 113.6 in the previous quarter of 2007.

The strongest decline in the economic climate indicator, as in the previous survey, was in the United States. Western Europe's indicator fell at an above average rate, especially in the UK and Ireland. In Asia the largest declines were seen in Japan, Thailand and Taiwan whilst the rest of Asia remained largely unaffected by the global economic weakening.

For the first time since the end of 2003, a majority of experts are also predicting a decline in central bank interest rates.

Experts believe that the US dollar and the Japanese yen are still undervalued which is in contrast to the British pound and the euro which are considered to be overvalued. It is predicted however that the US dollar will weaken in the coming six months.

The Australian Minister for Trade Simon Crean has announced the terms of reference and Chair for the review of Australia's Export Policies and Programs. 

Among other things, the review will make recommendations on measures required to improve export performance, including the relationship with domestic policy settings and productivity-enhancing policies, and look at measures which will improve the capacity of new and existing exporters to expand their export base.  It will be headed by Mr David Mortimer, Chair of Leighton Holdings and Australia Post and he will be assisted by Dr John Edwards, Chief Economist of HSBC Australia.

A scoping paper will be published in April to guide public submissions and consultations. The review is to be completed by 31 August 2008.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is calling for public submissions and comments on the merits of a free trade agreement (FTA) between Australia and India. Australia and India agreed in 2007 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 growth, trade in goods and services, investment, and other commercial linkages.

DFAT is seeking public submissions and comments which will help inform the feasibility study.  Of interest would be any general views on the advantages and disadvantage of an FTA, as well as advice on any particular market access issues and/or other factors affecting two-way trade and investment
with India.

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is preparing a submission which must be lodged with DFAT by Friday 28 March 2008.  

CCIWA members are invited to provide input/comments to Keith Seed, Director International Trade by Friday 14 March at keith.seed@cciwa.com.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia would like to hear from companies interested in participating in a trade mission to India later in 2008.

Participation in a CCIWA-led trade delegation would provide an opportunity to learn about this rapidly growing market, to explore the opportunities first hand and to establish valuable commercial contacts. Participation would be open to exporters and importers of both goods and services.

The likely timing of the mission would be August/September, while the itinerary would include Mumbai, Chennai and possibly Bangalore.

Expressions of interest should be directed to Ian Whitaker, Senior Trade Adviser, International Trade Centre on (08) 9365 7684 or e-mail: ian.whitaker@cciwa.com  

The 35th Anniversary of bilateral relations between Australia and Vietnam was marked on 26 February.
In 1973, Australia became one of the first Western countries to establish diplomatic ties with the then Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

In recognition of the Anniversary, Australia's Foreign Minister Stephen Smith exchanged letters with Vietnam's Foreign Minister His Excellency Mr Pham Gia Khiem.

Since 1973, Australia and Vietnam have become active trading and investment partners, with two-way trade totalling A$6.9 billion in 2006-07.

Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam, Mr Nguyen Phu Trong will visit Australia in March as a guest of the Australian Parliament. Mr Nguyen will be accompanied by a delegation of parliamentarians and business people.

Negotiations have been completed for Ukraine to join the World Trade Organization (WTO).
After 14 years of negotiations, WTO Members last month approved Ukraine's accession to the organisation.

The accession was approved on terms which will mean better access to the Ukrainian market for Australian companies. Products where trade barriers will be reduced include meat, dairy, sugar, wool and mineral products.  In addition, Australian service providers - including in the fields of telecommunications, mining and professional services - will have better access to the Ukrainian market. Ukraine has also agreed not to subsidise agricultural exports.

The only step now remaining for Ukraine to become a member of the WTO is for its Parliament to finalise its domestic ratification procedure.

Australia's trade relationship with Ukraine is modest but growing, with two-way merchandise trade reaching A$121 million in 2006-7. 

Hungary, Slovenia and Malta were the first among EU Member States to ratify the Treaty of Lisbon.
The Treaty of Lisbon (also known as the Reform Treaty) is a treaty signed on December 13, 2007 at a summit in Lisbon, Portugal. It amends the existing treaties of the European Union (EU). It is due to come into force in 2009, if successfully ratified by all European Union member states, and would carry out most of the reforms previously proposed in the rejected European Constitution.

The formal title of the treaty is 'Treaty of Lisbon amending the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty establishing the European Community'. It is intended that the treaty would come into force on January 1, 2009 in time for the 2009 European elections later that year. If there is a delay in ratification pushing it beyond that date, it will come into force on the first day of the month following the last ratification.

In 2005, the Constitution was rejected in referenda in France and in the Netherlands. As support by all members was required the Constitution was dropped and in July 2007 the European Council agreed a new framework that was later drafted and agreed at an Intergovernmental Conference.

The text agreed on 19 October 2007 contained many of the changes of the Constitution but would not replace the existing treaties, as the Constitution would have done, but amended them. It also dropped certain state-like elements, such as the EU flag, and guaranteed a number of opt-outs for certain states.

Australia has formally recognised the Republic of Kosovo as an independent state.

Kosovo declared independence on 17 February 2008. Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Stephen Smith said in a statement two days later that Australia respects the decision of the people of Kosovo.
Other countries including the United States and the United Kingdom have also indicated their recognition of Kosovo's new sovereignty.

The Minister said Australia will soon consider the establishment of diplomatic relations with Kosovo.

The Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, John C Tsang, has unveiled in his budget speech a package of initiatives and concessions aimed at enhancing Hong Kong's competitiveness, ensuring sustainable development and helping the disadvantaged.

Mr Tsang forecast a record budget surplus in the Consolidated Account of HK$115.6 billion and a surplus of HK$63.7 billion in the Operating Account for 2007-08. He proposed a variety of measures to return the wealth to the people, led by a series of cuts in salary and business taxes.

Of special interest to Australian wine producers and exporters, duties on wine, beer and all other alcoholic beverages except spirits will be eliminated to help promote Hong Kong as a trade and distribution centre for quality wine in Asia.

"It is expected that by developing the various businesses in Hong Kong relating to quality table wine, our total business volume in trading, storage and auction of table wine may increase by as much as HK$4 billion," Mr Tsang said. 

Small and medium-sized businesses will enjoy a one-off tax reduction through a concession of 75 per cent of profits tax for 2007-08, up to a maximum of HK$25,000. The proposal will benefit all 100, 000 companies liable to profits tax and cost HK$1.73 billion. Business registration fees will also be waived
for 2008-09.

There will also be a one-off tax reduction of 75 per cent of salaries tax and tax under personal assessment for the 2007-08 fiscal year, up to a maximum of HK$25,000.

"This proposal will cost HK$12.4 billion in 2008-09 and benefit 1.4 million taxpayers," Mr Tsang said. "After the reduction, about a million taxpayers will pay no more than HK$5,000 in tax."

"Upon implementation of the proposals, all the major allowances and tax rates will have reverted to their 2002-03 levels," Mr Tsang said.

He also proposed widening the tax bands from HK$35,000 to HK$40,000. The proposal will cost HK$1 billion annually. The standard rate of salaries tax and personal assessment tax will be lowered from 16 per cent to 15 per cent from the next fiscal year and profits tax will be lowered from 17.5 per cent to 16.5 per cent. This will cost HK$960 million and HK$4.4 billon a year respectively.

Mr Tsang said the research and development sector was a key area for promoting high value-added economic activities. He proposed a one-off grant of HK$18 billion to set up a Research Endowment Fund to replace the existing annual funding grant to the Research Grant Council of the University Grants Committee.

On the environment, Mr Tsang proposed a reduction of 30, 50 or 100 per cent in the First Registration Tax of commercial vehicles meeting Euro V emissions standards.  To encourage businesses to use cleaner production techniques, Mr Tsang also proposed a 100 per cent profits tax deduction for capital expenditure on environment-friendly machinery and equipment in the first year of purchase.

"Based on the revenue, expenditure and other proposals set out in the Budget, I forecast a deficit of HK$6.3 billion in the Operating Account and a deficit of HK$7.5 billion in the Consolidated Account for 2008-09," Mr Tsang said. He added that public expenditure, as a proportion of GDP, would increase from 15.9 per cent in 2007-08 to 19.2 per cent in 2008-09.

Mr Tsang predicted that a surplus would occur again starting from 2009-10 and that the operating surplus would build up to HK$67.3 billion in 2012-13.

"As the measures proposed in this Budget are mostly one-off or time-limited, they will not have significant implications for future public finances," Mr Tsang said.  

Visit www.budget.gov.hk to view/download the Budget speech.

14-21 May 2008: Magadan, Russia

Austrade invites Australian mining technology companies to join a special mission in May to identify and target opportunities in the Russian Far East - one of the richest yet most under- developed mining regions in the world.

This mission will investigate a range of hard-rock mining opportunities in Magadan, including the provision of technology, equipment and services for gold, silver, platinum, nickel and tin production. The mission will also visit Khabarovsk, another significant mining centre which is also the administrative capital of the Far Eastern Federal District of Russia, the largest of the country's seven federal districts.

This is a singular opportunity to be part of a small but high-profile mission of Australian mining industry leaders. Participating companies will gain firsthand understanding of major developments in the region and an appreciation of what future business the Russian Far East can deliver for them.

Austrade's services include introductions to key mining industry personnel at special networking functions as well as a mine site visit at Magadan.

For further information contact: Clyde Paton, Senior Export Adviser - Mining, Austrade Sydney on (02) 9390 2788 or e-mail: clyde.paton@austrade.gov.au

Australia's Ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Mr Bruce Gosper, has been appointed as Chair of the WTO General Council for 2008.

The General Council is the WTO's highest decision-making body and the Chair is one of the key figures guiding the Doha negotiations. This will be the first time an Australian has served in this influential position since the establishment of the WTO in 1995.

The International Chamber of Commerce has appointed Jacqueline Cote as its new Permanent Representative in Geneva.

Ms Cote is a senior counsel and business executive with significant global advocacy experience.
"Geneva is a unique centre of international co-operation and multilateral negotiation on important issues for business, including trade and investment, intellectual property, human rights, environment, climate change, international standards, and the information society," said ICC Secretary General Guy Sebban.

"Ms Cote will play a vital role in advancing ICC's work with the intergovernmental organizations located there, including the World Trade Organization, the World Intellectual Property Organization and the United Nations. ICC's Geneva office will complement the work of ICC’s Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, Louise Kantrow," Mr Sebban added.

ICC has served as the voice of business at the UN since 1946 and also enjoys a close working relationship with other intergovernmental organisations.  

Ms Cote's career has included senior legal and management positions within international law firms and multinational companies. Most recently, she served as Senior Advisor Advocacy & Partnerships to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. She represented that organization at numerous UN and other intergovernmental and business forums and interacted on private sector issues with leading business, non-governmental and civil society organizations.

Ms Cote holds a civil law degree and a common law degree from McGill University in Montreal and has undertaken doctoral law studies at the University of Freiburg in Germany. She has Canadian, Swiss and British nationalities.

"Governments are seeking out the views of the private sector to find solutions to every major global issue," said Ms Cote. "A strong commitment of the private sector to the activities of the United Nations and other intergovernmental organizations is becoming more important every day."

Hong Kong claimed the top spot as the world's freest economy for the 14th straight year in a study released by Washington-based think tank, the Heritage Foundation.

The 2008 Index of Economic Freedom covered 157 economies worldwide after assessing them on 10 economic freedom factors. Hong Kong scored top marks on four factors: trade freedom, investment freedom, financial freedom and property rights. The city also ranked among the top 10 in other areas such as freedom, government size, monetary freedom and labour freedom.

Second and third place went to Singapore and Ireland respectively. Australia was fourth, heading the table on labour freedom and sharing top position on financial freedom and property rights.
North Korea, Cuba and Zimbabwe were ranked last.

To keep up with the changes in developments in the processing trade, the General Administration of Customs (GAC) has decided to amend the Measures of the Customs of the People's Republic of China Regulating Cargoes of Processing Trade.

Amendments include relaxing the restrictions on the contracting out of processing activities by processing trade enterprises, allowing "operational enterprises confined by their own production characteristics and conditions" to commission contracting enterprises to process goods under processing trade for them upon customs approval and completion of relevant procedures.

Formerly, only "processing trade enterprises confined by their own production processes" were allowed to contract out such activities. Under the new measures, processing trade enterprises can contract out their major production processes. By so doing, processing trade enterprises can have their production processes carried out in different factories, thereby solving production problems arising from peak and low seasons and facilitating the relocation of their production lines.

The new measures came into force on 1 March 2008.

Westpac Banking Corporation has opened a branch in Shanghai, following approval by the China Banking Regulatory Commission of Westpac's application for a financial licence.

Westpac General Manager, Asia, Yogan Rasanayakam, said the opening of Westpac's fully licensed branch in China marks a significant milestone for the bank.

"Given the deep trading links between China, Australia and New Zealand, it makes good business sense for Westpac to establish a branch in the financial capital of China."

In particular it will assist customers who are benefiting from China's demand for Australia's resources and New Zealand's agricultural products.

"China is now the world's growth engine and this new branch provides Westpac with a stronger capability to assist Australian, New Zealand and Chinese customers who are doing business in the region."

Mr Rasanayakam said the branch office would also cater for small to medium sized business customers through services such as import and export settlement.

"As Australia's largest trading partner, China offers significant growth opportunities for many of our customers. Today’s opening of Westpac's Shanghai branch is an important part of our strategy to be represented in the markets where our customers need us."

The new branch will be led by Andrew Whitford, General Manager, People's Republic of China, and currently has a full time staff of 15. The office is located in the heart of Shanghai's financial district, 7th Floor, Jin Mao Tower, 88 Shi Ji Avenue, Lujiazui, Shanghai.

Westpac has had a permanent presence in PR China since 1982 through its representative office in Beijing.

The number of new cases filed with the ICC (International Chamber of Commerce) International Court of Arbitration in 2007 totalled 599, a figure unprecedented in the Court's 85-year history.
Some key figures released by the Court for 2007, pending publication of its annual Statistical Report include:

• 599 requests for arbitration were filed with the ICC Court. 
• The requests concerned 1,611 parties from 126 countries and independent territories.
• In 11.4 per cent of cases at least one of the parties was a State or parastatal entity.
• The place of arbitration was located in 42 countries throughout the world.
• Arbitrators of 66 nationalities were appointed or confirmed under the
  ICC Rules.
• The amount in dispute exceeded one million US dollars in 57.4 per cent of
  new cases.
• 349 awards were rendered.
  

Ambassador to Greece
Mr Jeremy Newman has been appointed as Australia's new Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic, with nonresident accreditation to the Republic of Albania and the Republic of Bulgaria. He will replace Paul Tighe who has been Ambassador since January 2005. Mr Newman is expected to take up his appointment in March 2008.

Mr Newman is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and is currently First Assistant Secretary, Europe Division, a position he has held since 2006. Mr Newman served as Australia's Ambassador to Iran from 2001 to 2005. He has also served in Washington (1982-85), Dublin (1979) and Belgrade (1977-79).

Ambassador to the Netherlands
Ms Lydia Morton has been appointed as Australia's new Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Australian Permanent Representative to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) based in The Hague. She will replace Mr Stephen Brady who has been Ambassador since March 2004. Ms Morton is expected to take up her appointment in March 2008.

Ms Morton is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and is currently heading a corporate review project. Overseas, Ms Morton has served as Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy, Beijing (2000-03), Counsellor, Australian Embassy, Paris (1994-97), Counsellor, Australian Embassy, Seoul (1988-90) and Third Secretary, Australian Embassy, Brussels
(1974-77).

Consul-General in Hong Kong
Mr Les Luck has been appointed as Australia's new Consul-General in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China. Mr Luck will also serve as Australia’s representative to the Macau SAR and will replace Mr Murray Cobban who has been Consul-General since January 2005. Mr Luck is expected to take up his appointment in April 2008.

Mr Luck is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and is currently First Assistant Secretary of Americas Division, a position he has held since July 2006.
Mr Luck was Ambassador for Disarmament and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva (1999-2002) and Deputy High Commissioner in Singapore (1987-91). He has also served in Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Vienna and Bangkok.

Consul-General in Chicago
Ms Libby Schick has been appointed as Australia's new Consul-General of Australia in Chicago, USA. Ms Schick will succeed Mr Bob Charles who has been Consul-General since March 2005. She is expected to take up her appointment in March 2008.

Ms Schick has served as Ambassador in Santiago de Chile (2001-05) and Deputy Head of Mission in Vienna (1990-94).

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia

Documentary Credits: training course
This course provides participants with a detailed understanding of the role Documentary Credits (Letters of Credit) play in affecting payments and reducing risk in international trade transactions. Cost includes a copy of UCP600.

Date: Wednesday 12 March 2008
Time: 8:30am - 12:00pm
Venue: Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Western Australia   180 Hay Street, East Perth WA 6004
Cost: $250.00 CCI members, $300.00 non-members.
Register: Tel: (08) 9365 7500 or e-mail: registrations@cciwa.com or online at www.cciwa.com/trainingservices

International Trade Documentation: training course
A good understanding of the administrative requirements of exporting and importing will help ensure international transactions are concluded successfully. This course will examine the documentation necessary export/import transactions.

Date:  Monday 17 March 2008
Time: 08.30am - 12.00pm
Venue: Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia
180 Hay Street, East Perth WA 6004
Cost: $212.00 CCI members, $266.00 non-members
Register: Tel: (08) 9365 7500 or e-mail: registrations@cciwa.com or online at www.cciwa.com/trainingservices

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 - 11.30am
Venue: Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Western Australia
180 Hay Street, East Perth WA 6004
Cost: $250.00 CCI members,  $300.00 non-members
Register: Tel: (08) 9365 7500 or e-mail: registrations@cciwa.com or online at www.cciwa.com/trainingservices

Trade Mission to China
14 - 26 April 2008
Following successful CCI missions to China in 2006 and 2007, the Chamber’s April  mission will provide participants with the contacts and understanding necessary to tap into the opportunities and do business successfully in China.

Commencing in Guangzhou for three days at the Chinese Import & Export  Commodities Fair (Canton Fair) - China's largest trade fair - the mission will then continue onto Shanghai and Beijing for further briefings and cultural experiences.  Participants will have the option of then returning to Guangzhou for the second phase  of the Canton Fair or stopping in Hong Kong for further business briefings on Hong  Kong as a trade and investment gateway to China.

Visit www.cciwa.com/trade for further information

For more information contact Keith Seed, Director International Trade on (08) 9365 7637 or e-mail: keith.seed@cciwa.com

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:

A list of these offers and demands is available by clicking on the following link:http://www.cciwa.com/trade/

Information on the following events has been received from the organisers. For a copy of this information and for more trade fair/exhibition/conference dates worldwide please contact Ian Whitaker on (08) 9365 7684 or e-mail: ian.whitaker@cciwa.com

Australia

2008 APPEA Conference and Exhibition,
06-09 April 2008, Perth

WA Ports & Export Infrastructure Summit 2008, 08-09 April 2008, Perth

"Africa Downunder Conference", 04-05 September 2008, Perth

"Asia Pacific Downunder Conference", 30 September-1 October 2008, Perth

Brazil

"FIMEC 2008" - International Fair of Leather, Chemical Products, Components and Accessories, Equipment and Machines for Footwear and Tanneries, 8-11 April 2008, Novo Hamburgo

China

"Yarn Expo Spring" - International Trade fair for Fibres and Yarns, 27-29 March 2008,

Beijing

"China Build 2008" - 11-14 April 2008, Dalian
China Import and Export Fair - 103rd Canton Fair, 15-30 April 2008, Guangzhou

7th China International Health Industrial Expo, 8-10 May 2008, Beijing

Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition, 8-11 June 2008, Guangzhou

Electrical Building Technology Guangzhou, 8-11 June 2008, Guangzhou

13th China International Furniture, Woodworking Machinery, Components & Raw Materials (Summer) Exhibition, 12-15 June 2008, Dalian

2008 China International Environmental Protection Fair, 26-28 June 2008, Dalian

"Cinte Techtextil China" - Technical textiles and non-woven industries, 20-22 October 2008, Shanghai

Egypt

2nd International Industrial Control and Automation Technology Exhibition & Conference, 8-10 April 2008, Cairo

"Franchise & License 2008" - 6th Middle East & North African International Franchise & License Exhibition, 4-6 June 2008, Cairo

"HEBEX 2008" - International Exhibition for health and the Human Body, 26-28 June 2008, Cairo

Germany

"Musikmesse/Prolight + Sound", International Trade Fair for Musical Instruments, Music Software, Computer Hardware, Sheet Music & Accessories, 12-15 March 2008, Frankfurt

"Light+Building" - International Trade Fair for Architecture and Technology, 6-11 April 2008, Frankfurt

"Hannover Messe 2008" - International Business Platform, 21-25 April 2008, Hanover

"Decorate Life" - Furnishing and Home Decorating Events, 04-08 July 2008, Frankfurt

Hong Kong

"China Maritime 2008" - Exhibition and Forums, 12-14 March 2008, Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre

"Interstoff Asia Essential" - The Home of Cutting-Edge Textiles, 12-14 March 2008, Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre

International Wedding Trade Fair, 3-5 April 2008, AsiaWorld Expo
Hong Kong Electronics Fair, 14-17 April 2008, Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre

Hong Kong Houseware Fair 2008, 21-24 April 2008, Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre

Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, 28 April – 1 May 2008, Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre

"Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair, 28 April – 1 May 2008, AsiaWorld-Expo

"ICMCM 2008" - International Conference & Exhibition of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products, 14-18 August 2008, Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre

"Food Expo 2008", 14-18 August 2008, Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre

Hong Kong International Lighting Fair, 27-30 October 2008, Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre

Indonesia

"AGRINEX Conference and Expo 2008", 20-23 March 2008, Jakarta Convention Center

"Agro & Food Expo 2008" - 8th International Exhibition & Business Forum on Agriculture & Food Products, 22-25 May 2008, Jakarta

"Indo Defence 2008 and Indo Aerospace 2008 Expo & Forum", 19-22 November 2008, Jakarta

Japan

"Interior Lifestyle Japan 2008”, 11-13 June 2008, Tokyo

Kenya

"KITE 2008" - 11th Kenya International Trade Exhibition, 21-23 March 2008, Nairobi

Korea

"Seoul Food & Hotel 2008" - 26th Seoul International Food & Hotel Exhibition, 14-17 May 2008, Seoul
Mauritius

"Africa, Americas, Asia Business Summit 2008", 17-18 March 2008, Swami Vivekananda International Convention Centre, Pailles

Netherlands

"Emigration Fair 2008" - Going Abroad Fair, 11th Edition, 8-9 March 2008, Niewegein, Utrecht

Pakistan

"Expo Pakistan 2008", 27-30 October 2008, Karachi

Russia

"Ambiente Russia 2008" and "Light Russia 2008" - International Salon for Interior Decoration and Homeware and International Interior Light Salon, 9-11 September 2008, Crocus Expo Exhibition Centre

Singapore

"ICC Amicable Dispute Resolution" - Training Program, 2-4 April 2008

"FHA 2008" - The 15th International Food & Drinks, Hotel, Restaurant, Bakery & Foodservice Equipment, Supplies & Services Exhibition and Conference, 22-25 April 2008, Singapore Expo

"CG Overdrive", 17-20 June 2008, Singapore Expo

"OSEA 2008" - The 17th International Oil & Gas Industry Exhibition & Conference, 2-5 December 2008, Suntec Singapore

Syria

"HOSPEX 2008" - 6th International Exhibition for Hospitality & Hotel Equipment, 9-12 March 2008, Damascus

Thailand

"BIG + BIH 2008" - Bangkok International Gift Fair 2008 and Bangkok International Houseware Fair 2008, 17-22 April 2008, Bangkok

Turkey

1st LPG, CNG & LNG Istanbul Exhibition, 03-06 April 2008, Istanbul

3rd Iraq International Fair, 22-25 May 2008, Gaziantep

United Arab Emirates

The Water Summit Middle East 2008, 10-12 March 2008, Dubai

"Gulf Maritime 2008" - 21-23 April 2008, Sharjah

USA

8th Annual Multicultural Business Conference, 23-25 April 2008, Orlando, Florida

Vietnam

"International Jewellery Vietnam 2008", 02-04 May 2008, Ho Chi Minh City