NEW TOOL SET TO SIMPLIFY EXPORTS TO ASIA

A NEW tool designed to help Australian businesses access opportunities in Asia has been launched by Federal Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Small Business Kelly O'Dwyer at a business forum in Melbourne.

Developed by Asialink Business, the Country Starter Packs offer a comprehensive 'how-to' guide designed to help Australian businesses get started or expand in Asian markets.

As an alumna of the Asialink Leaders Program herself, O'Dwyer says more Australian businesses should tap into growth opportunities in Asia by making use of the new tool.

"The Coalition Government recognises that many Australian businesses are actively seeking help to overcome challenges they face to do business in Asia," O'Dwyer says.

"I am confident that the Asialink Business Country Starter Packs will be a valuable tool for small businesses looking to engage with Asia."

Developed with support from the Commonwealth Government, the packs will provide the tools for businesses to engage with growing markets, according to Asialink Business CEO Mukund Narayanamurti.

"The Country Starter Packs for China, Indonesia, Korea and Thailand are the first in a suite of guides that give businesses the keys to unlock opportunities in the fastest growing markets in our region," Narayanamurti says.

"They feature practical case studies, up-to-date market insights and first-hand examples to assist businesses in all sectors of the economy.

"The Packs provide a roadmap to navigate Asia's diverse commercial environments, and highlight opportunities in specific sectors, markets and economies."

A 2014 survey by Asialink Business supported by the Business Council of Australia and the Australian Industry Group identified a lack of readily available, practical information on Asian markets as a key factor holding back many Australian businesses.

Narayanamurti says the opportunities presented by the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement, along with other FTAs, make the Country Starter Packs an important tool for businesses wanting to capitalise on developments.

"The Country Starter Packs fill the critical information gap that business identified as their biggest hurdle," he says.

"It is critical that business act purposefully to take up these opportunities and the Country Starter Packs are an essential first step in helping all Australian organisations be better prepared to engage with China and other Asian market."