Industry and Trade Minister, Martin Pakula, today met with members of the Export Gippsland network to discuss the impact of the global financial crisis on their businesses and how the Government is supporting Victorian industry.
Leading Gippsland manufacturers and exporters attending the roundtable included K & C Fisheries, Patties Foods, Phase Change Converters and Victorian American Imports.
Mr Pakula said that like most countries around the world, Australia was feeling the impact of the uncertainty currently gripping the global economy.
“We are currently in a very challenging global environment, driven mostly by events beyond our control, and the Brumby Government is delivering strong leadership to see Victoria through this tough time,” Mr Pakula said.
“To help Victorian industry and business, we are delivering record multi-billion-dollar infrastructure programs, investing in skills and services, and delivering targeted industry and business assistance policies and programs.”
Mr Pakula said Brumby Government support for Gippsland exporters included $10,000 grant to the Export Gippsland Network to help it run a range of programs.
“Export Gippsland is doing a great job of providing local businesses with the advice, information and contacts they need to start exporting or expand into new markets,” Mr Pakula said.
“Since 2003, it has hosted 17 events attended by over 50 companies including professional development seminars for new exporters, ‘Coaching Clinics’ and expert speakers on subjects like mitigating foreign exchange risks and legal arrangements for overseas trading.
“Export Gippsland also provides a formal mentoring process to around a dozen local companies using suitably qualified consultants to provide mentoring.”
Mr Pakula also said that Gippsland companies have benefited from Victorian Government First Step Exporter grants to help develop new markets for their products internationally.
“Hydro Australia, a specialist pump manufacturer, is a good example of a local company that has benefited from the First Step Exporter program. They received funding to attend and display their products at events in Vietnam and Thailand,” Mr Pakula said.
“Another example is Rubber Tough, which received a grant to attend a dairy industry trade show to display their floor mats and dairy tiles.”
“The Brumby Government will continue to work with local employers and communities to ensure that Victorian businesses are able to weather the current storm and plan for future growth.”
Contact: Jane Rowe
Phone: 0408 028 924