Clean Technology Roadshow To Tap Into Green Trade Potential

The Australian Trade Commission will launch a national seminar series in Perth today to link Australian clean technology companies to growing international clean energy opportunities.

The Clean Technology for the Future Roadshow follows the Government’s May budget announcement to provide $14.9 million over three years to fund a clean energy trade and investment strategy.

Austrade’s National Industry Manager for Clean Technology Kerry Rooney said the events would help clean technology companies lift their competitiveness, commercialise their technologies and go global.

“Global investment in clean energy reached US$155 billion in 2008,” Ms Rooney said.

“As nations implement policies to address the challenges of climate change, trade and investment in clean energy will play an increasingly important role in building Australia’s future prosperity.

“Australia has the potential to become a world leader in sustainable technologies, creating jobs for Australians in areas such renewable energy, green buildings, energy efficiency and sustainable water technologies,” she said.

Austrade’s Chief Economist Tim Harcourt said the development of Australia’s clean technology industries would play a significant part in Australia’s economic recovery.

"In the post-GFC world industries will be restructured along sustainable lines and clean energy will be a key part of Australia's competitive advantage," Mr Harcourt said.

The seminars will assist small and medium-sized enterprises through a whole-of-government approach to improve awareness of services at federal, state and territory level, to help enhance their international competitiveness.

The series will also focus on connecting Australian companies to emerging opportunities in ASEAN and LATAM countries.

“The recent signing of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement will encourage greater linkages and the opportunity for increased trade in clean energy goods and services between Australia, New Zealand and the region,” Mr Harcourt said.

“Latin America is another large and emerging market for clean energy, with hydro, wind and geothermal presenting opportunities. Australia’s free trade agreement with Chile lays the basis for an expanding trade relationship,” he said.

Participating government agencies include event partner and sponsor Enterprise Connect which opened a Clean Energy Innovation Centre earlier this year in Newcastle.

Other participants include AusIndustry, EFIC, the Industry Capability Network, the Victorian, Queensland, NSW, South Australian, Western Australian and ACT Governments.

The Clean Technology for the Future Roadshow series will be held in Perth (May 26), Adelaide (May 27), Canberra (May 29), Melbourne (June 2), Sydney (June 3) and Brisbane (June 4).

ENDS