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Fed Govt sets up $36m centre to 'help SMEs in the Asian Century'
THE Federal Government has announced a $36 million investment in a centre to assist Australian small and medium businesses take up new opportunities in Asian markets as part of its ‘Asian Century' approach.
Trade Minister Richard Marles and Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said Australia's small to medium-sized businesses will now get the support they need to forge into Asian growth markets.
The Ministers have announced the new National Centre for Asia Capability will be based in both Melbourne and Sydney with funding provided for national program delivery through the University of Melbourne's Asialink.
"The centre will act as a hub, drawing existing resources together to better use their potential," Mr Marles said.
"It will tap into the expertise of business and community organisations, peak bodies, training providers and business councils to help business leaders develop a deeper knowledge and expertise of Asian countries and cultures.
"The centre will also forge new partnerships to help businesses develop the Asia-relevant capabilities they need to better access growing markets in our region."
Senator Kim Carr said the Australian Government was investing in the abilities and relationships that will drive Australia's economic and jobs growth in the years ahead.
"This is a significant and timely Australian Government investment in building Australian workforce capability," Senator Carr said.
"The business community wants to build skills, supply chains and other key networks but small and medium-sized firms are not always able to make these international connections on their own.
"The government is stepping in to help them do this - to help Australian businesses compete and thrive in the century ahead. We want them to get a head start on the opportunities of the future as we grow and transform our economy and our core industries."
Mr Marles said making sure that Australian businesses understand and can effectively negotiate in Asia was a key part of the Federal Government's response to the White Paper on Australia in the Asian Century.
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