AUSTRALASIA - A Liberal Party policy to establish a Foreign Affairs and Trade portfolio has been welcomed by the Exhibition and Events Association of Australasia (EEAA), which says it paves the way for more engagement between the business events sector, Austrade and Tourism Australia.
The proposed Ministry of Trade and Investment would focus on attracting investment in Australia. Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has outlined the Liberal Party manufacturing policy, which includes the establishment of a new frontbench position of Minister for Trade and Investment.
The proposed policy, which has been made as part of party promises ahead of the Australian federal election being held on 7 September, includes an extra AU$100m (US$91m) put aside for export grants and transition assistance. It relies on bolstering economic activity by scrapping the controversial carbon price and mining tax.
The Labor Party is against the new policy, with the industry minister, Kim Carr, saying he was “appalled” because the Liberals had not backed Labor’s measures to support the sector.
EEAA chief executive, Joyce DiMascio (pictured), said that with so many events delivered in industry sectors of agriculture, financial services, mining and resources, manufacturing, tourism, retail and wholesale services, the way was being paved for the events industry to piggy-back the opportunities through the proposed Ministry for Trade and Investment.
“Attracting international buyers, especially from China, India and other countries, would be an opportunity that the Association would seek to leverage on behalf of its members,” DiMascio added. “The members of the EEAA deliver events that showcase Australian-made products, innovation and technology. We look forward to leveraging the ‘sales rep’ role identified for the Minister for Trade and Investment and how this can support the 24,000 companies who exhibit at Australian exhibitions.” she said.
EEAA president, Domenic Genua, said: “We hope that the policy platform announced today offers the opportunity to build sales missions to Australia from international buyers and not just focus on road-shows or representing Australia at ‘business fairs’ internationally. Both platforms are equally important.”
EEAA also said it was disappointed that no specific funds had been allocated to support the procurement of business events, something which the Business Events Council of Australia would continue to focus on in its advocacy campaign.
The EEAA is the peak association for the exhibition and event industry, representing 27 organisers, 25 venues and 87 suppliers.
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