Western Australia is to embark on its biggest-ever trade push into Asia, spearheaded by the formation today of an Into Asia Business Council.
The council - to be chaired by prominent Perth businessman Harold Clough - was set up by State Cabinet.
Premier Carmen Lawrence said Asia was the fastest-growing region in the world and would account for more than half the world's gross domestic product in the next 50 years.
"WA's economic future depends on our ability to grow with Asia and we must be prepared to direct Government and industry resources to forge new markets in the region," Dr Lawrence said.
"The aim of establishing the Into Asia Business Council is to lift Western Australia's market performance in near Asian markets.
"It is proposed that the Council initially meet monthly and report direct to my office on trade and investment issues.
"The council membership will be drawn from leaders in the WA community with industry, marketing, or research experience in Asian countries."
The Premier said she was delighted that Harold Clough had agreed to chair the Council as he was widely regarded as having pioneered WA engineering services in Asian countries.
Dr Lawrence said the Into Asia Business Council would replace the existing Overseas Relations and the Trade Strategy Committees.
"Much of the work to be undertaken by the council is likely to cut across the activities of the committees," she said.
The Premier today also announced she would leave for Singapore on Sunday to help foster new trade opportunities.
"Western Australia leads other States in exports and Asia is our largest market," she said.
"However, the State has only scratched the surface."
Dr Lawrence said during her two-day visit to Singapore she would meet industry and government representatives to discuss WA's trade opportunities and outline the Government's new trade and investment plans for the region.
