Growing Australia’s small business exports will be top of the agenda during meetings in Singapore and China to be led by Minister for Small Business Bruce Billson this week.
China and Singapore are already important trade partners for Australia and the Abbott Government is working to provide more opportunities for Australian small businesses to build new customer relationships and successfully enter new markets.
“Helping Australian small businesses to grow into new markets and attract new investment will enable these businesses to grow and generate more jobs,” Mr Billson said.
“Often small and medium sized businesses have outstanding entrepreneurship, quality services and goods but they may not have the size or personnel with expertise to establish new export relationships.
“The Abbott Government is committed to assisting small and medium sized business to successfully establish new trading relationships in new markets.
Mr Billson’s program includes discussions with Australian entrepreneurs and Chinese companies investing in Australia, to increase opportunities for Australian SMEs.
A key part of Mr Billson’s visit includes attending the 21st APEC SME Ministerial Meeting in Nanjing.
“Australian small business leaders are great innovators. Meeting a challenge with enthusiasm and outstanding product solutions is what Australian small businesses do best and it’s why we’re perfectly placed to partner with new customers.
“The APEC SME Ministerial meetings will focus on driving and increasing innovation in the SME sector and improving the policy environment for SMEs to innovate.
“The visit provides the perfect opportunity to remind the world that Australia is open for business and to learn from other countries about how we can grow and nurture trade, investment and business in this critical sector.
“Small business is the engine room of the economy and a key driver of jobs growth and that’s why the Abbott Government is working to strengthen business by lowering taxes, removing burdensome regulation and encourage more and freer trade.”