Trade mission to Asia

Victoria's Minister for Manufacturing and Export, Tim Holding, has announced that an Electronics Industry Capability Mission to North Asia will be conducted in October 2004.

The mission is being managed by the Victorian government through its 'Agenda for New Manufacturing' initiative and auspiced by the Australian Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (AEEMA).

Mr Holding said the mission would travel to Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea focusing particularly on strategic alliance and joint venture opportunities.

"The mission is the culmination of work undertaken over the past two years by the Victorian government and AEEMA in fostering a close relationship with the North Asian electronics and ICT manufacturing industry," Mr Holding said.

"Victoria generates about 41% of Australia's electronics and ICT products and has internationally recognised skills in design, compliance testing, prototyping, small to medium volume production, product customisation, systems integration, and intellectual property development and management.

"This puts us in a great position to link with North Asian manufacturers in a way that capitalises on our respective strengths and enables us to collectively engage world markets."

A small delegation from the mission will return to Australia via Thailand, to explore local electrical, electronics, ICT, photonics, and microelectronics manufacturing opportunities following the successful negotiation of an Australia-Thailand Free Trade Agreement in October 2003.