In adversity, there can be opportunity. While South-East Asia has taken some heavy economic blows in the past six months, there are important opportunities for Australian companies that are willing to think creatively and invest in the future. Derek Parker examines the current situation and the
Industry minister, Senator Kim Carr says the federal government can buy locally produced goods to support Australian jobs without breaking world trade rules, and supports the idea of government procurement to help the nation's manufacturing industry.
WHITEGOODS manufacturer Fisher & Paykel Appliances Holdings says it will shift three manufacturing sites to low-cost countries, a move which will result in the loss of hundreds of jobs in Australian and New Zealand.
ALTHOUGH Australian exporters are faced with numerous challenges, including the escalating Australian dollar, the latest DHL Export Barometer compiled by Austrade and DHL reveals around 70% of manufacturing exporters anticipate their orders will increase over the next 12 months.
Mining related companies aside, Australia's manufacturing industry has battled through 2006 counting on the relentless pressures on costs to somehow ease. But as Alan Johnson and Derek Parker report, the world of increased competition coupled with razor-edge margins look set to continue.
OVER the last decade, Free Trade Agreements have dramatically changed the international trading environment for Australian manufacturers.Presenting new opportunities to industry, FTAs not only bring potential trading partners into focus, but also provide new and improved market access for goods and