South Australia marches on - Brief Article

Business Asia, Nov, 2000 by Nadia Cameron

SOUTH AUSTRALIA'S exports are experiencing a growth spurt. The State this year recorded growth of 15.9 per cent and reached a record $6.2 billion in exports, compared with $5.3 billion in 1998-99.

Businesses keen to leap into the international playing field and take part in SA's export assault have several services available to them.

The Business Centre, a division of the South Australian Department of Industry and Trade, offers services in business development (interstate or overseas), and promotional activities including international trade shows and fairs. It also manages a variety of export development programs.

In each industry sector the centre maintains specialist development managers. As part of its statewide service, the Business Centre also oversees six Business Enterprise Centres.

For new businesses wishing to get started on the exporting process but unsure of how, the Department of Industry and Trade has also developed Export SA, an on-line export information facility. The site offers financial and regulatory information, and links to both State and Federal assistance programs including the Export Market Development Grant (EMDG). For further information, visit www.exportsa.sa.gov.au.

There are several other associations who encourage SA businesses to expand overseas. Trading as Business SA, the South Australian Exporters Association (SAEA)is a member organisation that assists its constituents to market and sell their goods and services internationally. The association represents the trade section of the SA Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry and is supported by the Department of Industry and Trade.

Another membership-based export group is the Exporters' Club. The group offers assistance with State and Federal export schemes and hosts a number of events throughout the year. The Council for International Trade and Commerce SA Inc (CITCSA) is a unique association of 39 chambers of commerce and business councils, aimed at providing professional services and financial assistance for outward trade and inward investment missions. CITCSA's largest initiative is the government-funded CITCSA Grants scheme, which is available to all member organisations. Grants of up to $50,000 per annum are available.

CONTACT

The Business Centre
145 South Terrace, Adelaide, SA
5000, Phone: (08) 8463 3800
Freecall: 1800 188 018
Website: www.tbc.sa.gov.au
South Australian Exporters' Association
(SAEA), Enterprise House, 136
Greenhill Road, Unley, SA, 5061,
Phone: (08) 8300 0000
Website: www.exportsouthaustralia.com
Council for International Trade and
Commerce, SA, Inc (CITCSA)
198 Greenhill Road, Eastwood, SA
5063, Phone: (08) 8373 5599
Website: www.citcsa.org.au