New export focus - Brief Article

Business Asia, Nov, 2000 by Nadia Cameron

SINCE ITS establishment in September 1998, the Tasmanian Department of State Development's (DSD) principal objective has been to address the economic decline and shortcomings of its State. 16 business audits conducted shortly after its establishment showed widespread dissatisfaction with the lack of support for local businesses. Over 257 recommendations were suggested by representatives from eight key industries in the audits.

In response to these, the DSD has put together 10 key business support programs referred to as the Industry Development Plan.

Their success is clear. Tasmania's exports have risen nine per cent above last year's figures, with 1999/2000 exports standing at $2.2 billion.

The Industry Development Plan includes:

* Financial Facilitation Unit: A specialised business unit sourcing finance for local businesses;

* Red Tape, Government Regulations and Assistance for Businesses:

Information on various DSD assistance programs and initiatives can be sourced at five Service Tasmania "one-stop shops" around the State;

* Networking between Industries: A number of DSD business units are now working with companies to develop networks which will help Tasmanian businesses to grow both in scale and scope;

* Replacing Imports with Increased Local Content: This ISO initiative assists local businesses in being competitive against both national and international rivals;

* Financial Incentives for Export and Import-replacement Industries: Notably the Export Market Assistance

Scheme, introduced to assist local businesses in export markets;

* Middle Management Requirements: The DSD assists middle management through its Enterprise Development Programs, which*provide client management and support through field offices and private sector industry specialists;

* Skills Bottlenecks: DSD has established a specialised Skills Response Unit for identifying skills shortages in Tasmanian industries;

* Access to Interstate and Overseas Markets: A specialised trade, marketing and major events unit has been established within the DSD to open up new opportunities for Tasmanian businesses internationally;

* Planning Certainty for Major Development: An inter-departmental committee run by DSD that facilitates major economic development projects; and

* Harnessing Entrepreneurial Ideas: The Tasmanian Innovation Advisory Board (TIAB) promotes new and innovative proposals by Tasmanians that have the potential to expand the State's industry base.

CONTACT

DSD Head Office, 22 Elizabeth Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, GPO Box 646 Hobart, Tasmania, 7000, Phone: (03) 6233 5577, Website: www.dsd.tas.gov.au, Tasmania Business Online, Website: www.tbo.com.au, Business Tasmania (for details on the Export Assistance Program), 22 Earl Street, Launceston, Tasmania, 7250, PO Box 1186 Launceston, Tasmania, 7251, Phone: (03) 6336 2501, Website: www.bt.tas.gov.au