The Minister for Resources and Energy, and Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, will travel to the USA tomorrow to promote portfolio interests as part of G'Day USA Australia Week.
Minister Ferguson will:
- Co-host the WA Resources and Commodities Information and Networking Reception in New York to promote Western Australia as a resources and energy investment location.
- Open the Australian Business Efficiency Forum to promote Australian expertise in business efficiency services.
- Provide the welcome address at the OZ Indigenous Experience Event to promote Indigenous tourism.
- Open the ASX's 'Room with a View' event which includes four of the world's most respected economic and business forecaster.
- Meet numerous companies with resources and energy investments in Australia.
Minister Ferguson said: "G'Day USA is the premier event promoting Australian business and tourism in the United States. I am pleased that this year I will be able to ensure resources and energy is given due attention, along with the traditional tourism focus.
"The United States is an important destination for Australian commodities. The US imports $842 million a year of Australian crude petroleum, almost $300 million of flat-rolled iron and steel, in addition to aluminium and nickel.
"Most importantly, the US is our most significant investment partner. The latest data indicates that at the end of 2007, two-way investment reached $849 billion, an increase of 19 percent since December 2006.
"In tourism, the US market is Australia's fourth largest inbound market. In the 12 months ending September 2008, there were 457,969 US visitors to Australia, an increase of 0.6 percent compared with the previous year, representing 8.1 percent of total international visitors to Australia.
"The Australian Government is committed to maintaining our strong marketing presence within this key market during the tough times currently facing the tourism sector. For the 12 months ending September 2008, the US market was worth $2.1 billion in total inbound economic value, an increase of 6.1 per cent compared to the previous year, and representing 8.6 per cent of total tourism exports.
"The US is a significant market and during these difficult times it is essential that it be given all the support possible - I will make sure that happens during G'Day USA Australia Week."