Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Export Council of Australia- a new voice for Australia's exporters

This month heralds a major change for the Australian Institute of Export. Following extensive research the Institute after fifty five years officially on the 28th May will reposition its events and advocacy activities under the name Export Council of Australia while retaining the Australian Institute of Export for the delivery of education and training in international trade.

With a new contemporary look the Council, which represents predominantly SME exporters, will tackle the wide range of issues affecting this important sector of the Australian economy. At the same time under the banner of the Australian Institute of Export, the council will continue to provide first class skills development programs for exporters, importers, service providers and especially those new to international trade who need the process demystified.

While this change has been brought about for a range of reasons, the primary purpose is to create a body that can represent exporters and work with other sector specific organisations to effectively engage with Government. At the same time the Council will continue to run seminars, workshops and awards programs, represent the Export Consultants Group and provide exporters with advice and information aimed at enhancing their capability and international trade performance.

Another key activity of the Council will be research. Working with universities, Government agencies and other associations, the Council aims to undertake research on issues that focus on providing input to enhance the export process and Australia’s competitiveness in international markets. The Council too will provide a vehicle for research work undertaken by other associations to expand their reach and influence to Government.

Prioritising issues is always a key factor. To address this, the Council will form working groups for key industry sectors to provide advice, prioritise projects and address key issues, particularly that of competitiveness, particularly that of competitiveness.  At same the time, given the diversity of export activity between various states, local committees will be formed to address each state’s specific needs and to ensure their issues get onto the Councils national agenda.

While the Council’s activities will evolve over time, the immediate priorities will be building membership, forming the Council and developing relationships with other bodies and associations that share common goals. High on its list will be researching the cost of trade facilitation in Australia and making recommendations to Government on what issues need to be addressed to both enhance Australia’s competitiveness and streamline the process of doing business offshore. High on the agenda too will be suggested modification to the Export Market Development Grants Scheme, Trade Finance issues concerning SME exporters and promoting an all of Government/Industry approach to “pitching” for major international projects particularly in the services sector.

At the same time the importance of continued improvement in the content and delivery of education and training will remain an important Council agenda item. Free of all the other programs the Australian Institute of Export will focus on its core activity of skills development which is where it all began fifty five years ago. In 2013 the Institute will launch a program under the banner “Certified Trade Professional”. Aimed at both companies and service providers, this comprehensive on-line program will allow participants to gain certification for the levels achieved and build skills over time via a disciplined professional development program. While CTP will form an important element of the Institutes activities, face to face public and in-house courses will continue so too the accredited distance delivered Advanced Diploma, Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma of International Business Management.

This is a new beginning for what has been one of Australia’s longest serving associations. It comes at a time when Australia’s export activity is experiencing severe change led by a resources boom, a high dollar and a persistent Global Financial Crisis. Our manufacturing, education and tourism sectors to name just three are experiencing great difficulty and the light at the end of the tunnel seems quite some distance away. This is the time when we need to assess and address issues that impact on our competitiveness.  The Council looks forward to working with Government, its members, sponsors and allies to address these issues and achieve outcomes that will benefit Australia’s wellbeing.

For further information regarding the Export Council of Australia please contact either:

Ian Murray, Executive Director- Export Council of Australia on 02 8243 7410 or ianmurray@export.org.au

Lisa McAuley, National Manager- Export Council of Australia on 02 8243 7400 or lisamcauley@export.org.au

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