PNXY/2010

Published: Thursday, 2 September 2010

Australia – passport to prosperity in the Far East

Australia can be a British company’s gateway to the Far East according to the senior official responsible for trade development.

Sir Andrew Cahn, chief executive of UK Trade & Investment, the government’s trade development department, is visiting Sydney and Melbourne to strengthen bilateral trade between the UK and Australia that last year stood at more than £11billion.

Australia is one of the few developed economies to avoid an economic recession.

Whilst in Australia, Sir Andrew will hold meetings with the head of the Australian trade promotion agency, Austrade, as well as the premier of the state of New South Wales, Kristina Keneally.

Sir Andrew said: “Australia is a fantastic country to live and work in. Its position not only gives it a great climate but also means it is an excellent country from which to base yourself in the Far East.

“Australia really can be a soft landing pad for British companies in the Asia Pacific region. With similar laws, language and culture, Australia can feel like a home from home for many firms. I cannot think of a better base from which to expand into the Far East and grow in this vibrant part of the world.

“The UK has a very similar advantage for Australian companies wanting to do business in Europe.

“Australian companies can find a natural home in Britain with the UK. We are a springboard to Europe as companies like Telstra and Macquarie.”

Last year Australia rose to seventh in the list of top investors into the UK.

During his visit Sir Andrew will speak at the 25th anniversary ball of the Australian-British Chamber of Commerce.

After visiting Australia Sir Andrew will fly on to China for the formal opening of the Shanghai World Expo.

Media contact

For more information please contact James Clements in the UK Trade & Investment press office on 020 7215 2491 or e-mail james.clements@ukti.gsi.gov.uk

Notes to editors

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the government department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. We also help overseas companies bring their high quality investment to the UK’s economy – acknowledged as Europe’s best place from which to succeed in global business. UKTI offers expertise and contacts through its extensive network of specialists in the UK, and in British embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world. We provide companies with the tools they require to be competitive on the world stage. For more information visit: www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk | www.youtube.com/UKTIWeb | http://blog.ukti.gov.uk | www.flickr.com/ukti | http://twitter.com/ukti