Australia Week 2006, Australia takes center stage in the city of angels

Australian companies on display as part of G'Day LA: Australia Week 2006

Australias world-class capabilities, design excellence and innovative products will be on show in Los Angeles this month as part of G'Day LA: Australia Week 2006, being held from 14-20 January.

G'Day LA: Australia Week 2006, will be the most high profile this annual promotion and will provide more than 200 Australian businesses with the opportunity to showcase their talents and products directly to the US market. Events being held throughout the week will promote Australian expertise in industries as diverse as art, entertainment, tourism, wine, food and beverages, energy, fashion, education, investment and sport.

Los Angeles and California are key gateway markets for Australian products and services entering the US, the worlds largest economy and most sophisticated consumer market, with a population of almost 300 million

.Austrade Senior Trade Commissioner in Los Angeles, Kylie Hargreaves, said discerning American consumers are increasingly appreciating the quality and uniqueness of Australian products.

"Australia is regarded in the US as an important and growing trade partner as well as an investment destination. However, the noise in this highly competitive marketplace is so high that its often impossible for small to medium sized Australian business to get any profile. GDay LA: Australia Week 2006 provides a platform that ensures, at least once a year, Los Angelinos are thinking about everything they can taste, feel, wear, hear and see from Down Under."

"With participation by high profile corporations like BHP Billiton, Fosters, Penfolds, Newscorp, Aristocrat and celebrities such as Hugh Jackman, Mel Gibson, Cate Blanchett and Steve Irwin, Australia Week helps to draw attention to the many smaller Australian companies working in the US", Ms Hargreaves said.

The week consists of more than 15 events aimed to reach key decision makers, US buyers and influencers, consumers and potential investors. Events range from contemporary Australian art exhibitions to fashion catwalk displays, film premiers, trade day exhibitions, business seminars, energy security forums, as well as supermarket promotions.

Australia Week 2005 led to more than $5million in confirmed trade outcomes from Austrade clients, ranging from new joint ventures, fashion sales, record deals and food sales. Australian companies participating in Australia Week also benefit by supporting their agents in-market, find new customers, enhance existing relationships and leverage the media opportunities.

"By highlighting the quality and diversity of the products and services offered by Australia businesses, G'Day LA: Australia Week 2006 further assists these companies take advantage of improved access to the worlds largest market delivered under the Australia-United states Free Trade Agreement."

Austrade now provides support for Australian exporters in the US market with unprecedented representation in 18 US cities and a dedicated network of USA Export Advisers around Australia.

G'Day LA: Australia Week 2006 is produced by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Tourism Australia, Austrade, and Qantas Airways in conjunction with State Governments and key private sector sponsors. For further information visit: www.australia-week.com