Mark Vaile Minister for Trade

Australia remains one of the fastest growing economies in the OECD, and trade is an important part of our economic success. Our export community is diversifying as well as growing; we are consistently reaching more markets and expanding the range of goods and services we supply to the world.

Australian export markets are located in all parts of the globe. Our top trading partners, like China, Japan, the US, South Korea and New Zealand, are being complemented by new and emerging markets, such as the Middle East (our fastest growing regional market over the past five years), Latin America and Central and Eastern Europe.

Australian Exporters is an excellent reference source for helping international businesses discover the vast range of products and services Australia offers. It provides accurate and timely information on Australian suppliers and their capabilities.

The 2005 edition will be distributed around the world to potential international buyers through the offices of Austrade (the Australian Trade Commission) in 58 countries and at major international trade exhibitions.

The Australian Government has embarked on an unprecedented campaign to boost the number of Australian exporters, with the aim of generating all the benefits that international business brings - both for Australian companies and their trading partners around the world. Our strategy of competitive liberalisation means that our primary producers, manufacturers and service providers have access to increasing global trading opportunities.

I encourage you to use Australian Exporters, in conjunction with the global services provided by the Australian Government through Austrade, to access the word-class supply capabilities of Australian exporters.

MARK VAILE
Minister for Trade