Join us for light refreshments and attend a free videoconference - Doing Business in Australia and the Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA).
Thursday, May 19 from 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm at the Summit Conference Center, 129 Summers Street (Corner of Quarrier and Summers Streets), Charleston, WV. Click on the following for directions to the Summit Conference Center:
http://www.summitcenter.com/directions.html
Representatives from the US Department of Commerce in Melbourne will brief you on the current news and business prospects for your industry. Take this opportunity to ask specific questions about selling your products in Australia and what effect the Free Trade Agreement will have on your company.
On January 1, 2005, Australia entered into the Free Trade Agreement with the United States (AUSFTA), which will provide major benefits for both countries immediately, through the removal of tariffs, and longer term, through the phased opening of markets. It is Australia’s first trade agreement with a major economy, and the first agreement that the U.S. has entered with a major economy since 1988. To learn more about the elimination of tariffs, declaring origin, rules of origin, and frequently asked questions regarding AUSFTA, you may visit: http://www.ita.doc.gov/td/tic/fta/Australia
Australia has proven an appealing and profitable market for American companies for many years. It offers very few barriers to entry, a familiar legal and corporate framework, and a sophisticated – yet straightforward -- business culture. While it is important to understand and appreciate Australia’s cultural differences, the long and successful history of American firms in Australia suggests that other U.S. companies will also find this market to be rewarding and attractive. This is clearly demonstrated by the US$9 billion trade surplus that the U.S. enjoys with total exports to Australia reaching US$28 billion in 2004.
Please plan to attend this event, and RSVP by Monday, May 16, 2005 by
completing and submitting the following "Response Form."
Should you have any questions, please contact Ms. Leslie Drake at 304 558 2234 Email: ldrake@wvdo.org or Jim Pittard at 304 347 5123 Ext.11 Email: jim.pittard@mail.doc.gov