Aussie business joins Wallabies in bid for Rugby glory

Australian exporters heading to France this month are invited to take advantage of the Australian Government’s international business networking program being staged in and around the Rugby World Cup, the Minister for Trade, Warren Truss said.

The Business Club Australia program, supported by Austrade, will leverage the global attraction of the Rugby World Cup (7 September to 20 October) by staging a series of networking events and business-matching services for Australian and international companies visiting France.

Mr Truss encouraged Australian businesses to take advantage of this unique program.

"Australia’s export history to France has largely been built on the resources, medical and aviation industries. Recently, we have seen an emergence of Australian surfwear fashion and seafood exports – possibly boosted by our clean and green; surf, sun and sand image," Mr Truss said.

Major players such as Rio Tinto, Macquarie Bank, National Australia Bank, ANZ Bank as well as grass-root success stories like Boost Juice and Gourmet Garden will be in France this month. Senior executives from Coca Cola Amatil, Austock Rural and Zinifex Limited have indicated they will also attend Business Club Australia networking events in and around the matches.

The Business Club Australia program builds on the success of prior programs staged during the 2000 Olympic Games, Rugby World Cup 2003, Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, the 2006 Spring Racing Carnival and the 12th FINA World Swimming Championships.

Mr Truss said that the program’s success is evident.

"In 2003, the Business Club Australia program helped 295 Australian companies export during the Rugby World Cup. Further success is expected in France in 2007," he said.

To date, the Business Club Australia program has delivered $1.7 billion in business deals, has 8,500 members, 260 worldwide events and has more than 100 targeted corporate hospitality sessions with business people from around the world.