Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade, Richard Dalla-Riva announced that the Victorian Government, in cooperation with Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association, is supporting the largest ever Australian export
mission to Dubai's Automechanika Middle East Trade Show between 20 -30th May 2012.

Over fifteen Victorian companies from the automotive after market manufacturing sector will either exhibit or have a presence at the Mission, including leading after market companies ARB, Ozpart and Mackay Consolidated Industries.

"Victoria is the home of the automotive sector in Australia with the state's auto industry accounting for 54% of Australia's automotive exports and the Coalition is committed to increasing these export opportunities, particularly in the aftermarket sector, to increase our presence in the global supply chain," Mr Dalla-Riva said.

"We have also prioritised export and trade as a key part of our reform agenda and are assisting businesses to grow existing trade links and to expand into new markets through the Victorian International Engagement Strategy, which has identified the Middle East North Africa region as a priority region," he added.
Mr Dalla-Riva added that companies who participated in the 2011 delegation to Automechanika Middle East saw increased business along with orders at the exhibition, and created valuable networks.

With Ford, Toyota and Holden all having a large presence in Victoria, along with over 150 Australian, European, Japanese and American component manufacturers, the exhibition is a key event on the calendar for Victorian companies.

"We've been supporting Victorian companies at this event for over five years now and it has grown to become a must-do event for many of our major automotive businesses. Companies who participated in the 2011 delegation to Automechanika Middle East saw increased sales and leads," he said.
Following the Automechanika Middle East trade show, some companies in the delegation traveled on to investigate export opportunities in Turkey.

"The Victorian Government recognises the value in supporting these missions. This assistance makes it possible for small and medium size Australian businesses to compete in international markets," said Ben Bartlett, AAAA Senior Manager Government and International Relations.

Source: www.ameinfo.com