EXPORTING TO AUSTRALIA: The Benefits of a Free Trade Agreement
Friday, June 27, 2014 | 1919 Smith St., 10th Floor Bayou Room, Houston

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced during a visit to Houston on June 13 that “Australia will open a Consulate-General in Houston in the next 12 months in recognition of the significant two-way investment between Australia and the global energy capital.”

Join us next week to learn more about market opportunities in Australia, tips for success and why targeting countries with free trade agreements is beneficial for U.S. firms.   Afterwards, receive one-on-one counseling on questions specific to your business in Australia. The event is organized with the support of the Australian-American Chamber of Commerce and Qantas Freight Services.

Australia is the fourth largest economy in the Asia-Pacific region and can be considered as a platform for doing business in Asia. The Australia-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, which went into effect in 2005, enhanced the long and successful trading relationship by eliminating tariffs on almost all U.S. manufactured and agricultural goods. Leading sectors for U.S. exports to Australia include:  Aircraft and Parts; Automotive Parts & Accessories; Biotechnology; Construction Machinery; Cosmetics; Franchising; Information Technology Services; Medical Equipment; Mining Equipment; Oil and Gas Field Machinery; Renewable Energy; and Travel and Tourism.

AGENDA
8:00 am   Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:30 am   Welcome: Pam Plagens, Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service, Houston
8:35 am   Introduction: Mark Hawley, President, Australian-American Chamber of Commerce, Houston
8:40 am   Exporting to Australia: Donna Carter, Commercial Specialist, U.S. Consulate, Perth, Australia
9:30 am   Panel Discussion including Kathleen Malaspina, Chief Innovation Officer & Vice President Of Marketing, OrthoAccel; Glen Kearns, Laser Scanning & Dimensional Control Services, Intertek; and Lisa Butler, Senior Associate, Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP. Moderated by Duaine Priestley, Principal, Priestley International Consulting
10:30 am   Adjourn
10:45 am   One-on-one meetings with Commercial Specialist Donna Carter

*****
When:   Friday, June 27, 8:00 am Registration; 8:30-10:30 am Program
Where:   1919 Smith St., 10th Floor Bayou Room, Houston, Texas
Cost:   $35.00 (coffee and continental breakfast provided)
Registration:   https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/event/editWebReg.do?SmartCode=4Q7U
Questions:   Contact Pam Plagens at 713-209-3106 or pam.plagens@trade.gov