Initiative Set To Boost Anzac Technology Exports

New Trade Initiative Set To Boost Anzac Technology Exports

In a new twist on the spirit of ANZAC, New Zealand and Australian high tech exporters are being encouraged to attend a Trans-Tasman Technology Alliance Forum to explore opportunities to work together.

The Technology Alliance Forum is a new business event, a joint initiative of Trade New Zealand and its Australian counterpart Austrade to stimulate export growth in their respective countries by forming strategic alliances.

Trade New Zealand Account Manager Jacinta Clark says this is the first time the two trade promotion organisations have worked together this way.

“We are proactively facilitating complementary Australian and
New Zealand high tech exporters to form strategic alliances to leapfrog into third markets.”

The strategic alliances will see two or more technology companies combining their resources and strengths to build their export business more effectively, in terms of marketing and distribution networks and the value of the product they are offering clients in a third market.

“On the global front, Australia and New Zealand technology exporters are very small players. By joining together in strategic alliances, they can create a critical mass that will allow a more ‘down under’ presence, in third, tougher markets,” says Ms Clark.

“It’s an exciting new way our technology exporters can increase their competitiveness against huge European and North American competitors.”

Ms Clark and Austrade business development advisor Frayne Cooke say early feedback to the initiative from companies on both sides of the Tasman is very positive.

Mr Cooke says Australian companies realise that competitive conditions are changing in the ‘information age’.

“Businesses are no longer competing directly with each other in the market and there is a strong shift towards competing along value chains,” he says.

“Businesses must search for ways and alternatives to fill voids within their business model, from production to fulfillment, ‘outsourcing’ particular functions for market purposes, that is products, services, knowledge, systems and processes. Australian companies recognise that they must address this global trend to maintain any degree of competitive advantage.

“New Zealand and Australian technology companies should be aware of the opportunities and support available from their closest neighbor and natural ally. This business event hopes to foster and achieve this.”

Mr Cooke says New Zealand and Australia can take pride in having some very innovative technology companies, providing strong products and services.

“Combining these strengths would provide a significant boost to our two nation’s competitive ability and standing internationally.”

He says as the first business initiative between the two trade organisations, the Trans-Tasman Technology Alliance Forum will be used as a pilot, with the concept being refined and applied to other markets and industries.

Jacinta Clark says Trade New Zealand has been encouraging New Zealand companies to cooperate to compete internationally for more than a decade. The Trans-Tasman initiative takes the 'cooperating to compete' concept to another level.

She says unlike products such as wine or meat, country of origin is not important when it comes to technology – “the client just wants the best business solution out there”.

About 160 Australian and New Zealand high tech exporters from the telecommunications, software, multi-media and information technology services sectors are expected to attend the Trans-Tasman Technology Alliance Forum, on in Christchurch and Auckland on 26 and 28 June respectively.

Companies will have an opportunity to network and meet with relevant companies from both countries. Keynote speakers will include prominent high-tech business leaders from North America and Asia who will outline regional sector trends and opportunities for Trans-Tasman technology alliances.

For further information:

Jacinta Clark
Account Manager Technology & Services
Trade New Zealand
Phone: 09 914 9468
email. jacinta.clark@tradenz.govt.nz

Frayne Cooke
Business Development Advisor
Information & Communications Technology
Austrade
Phone: 09 356 1544
Email: frayne.cooke@austrade.gov.au

Released by Tracey Palmer, Trade New Zealand Communications, phone 09 915 4223 or 021 498 155

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