Industry body to help Australian Businesses Compete Globally

2 Jul 09

Australian companies should embrace opportunities to get involved in major projects within Australia and overseas, Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research has said today.

Expressing his support for the Industry Capability Network's (ICN) 'there's an aussie who can help' campaign, Senator Carr said that Australian businesses are well placed to compete on a global level and take advantage of opportunities to access major projects.

ICN is funded by the Commonwealth, state and territory Governments to facilitate the matching of capable and competitive Australian companies with supply opportunities arising from government and private sector purchasing requirements.

"ICN is all about connections - helping Australian businesses work together with Australian and global buyers to get results.

"Through organisations like the ICN, we are providing Australian business with the support it needs to win contracts in major projects, both here and overseas.

"Throughout the last year over $1.8 billion worth of contracts have been awarded to Australian companies as a result of ICN involvement. These are contracts that might have otherwise gone to overseas competitors.

"ICN provides a valuable service, linking buyers to sellers and sellers to buyers," Senator Carr said.

ICN can also help to reduce costs for project proponents by identifying capable and globally competitive Australian companies, reducing the time involved in pre-evaluating suppliers.

"Creating these market connections for the delivery of goods and services helps drive economic prosperity, which is crucial in these difficult times.

"I would encourage all Australian businesses to register with ICN in order to take advantage of the opportunities that this organisation provides."

Further information about ICN and the 'there's an aussie who can help' campaign is available at www.icn.org.au

Subscribe free-of-charge to the Advanced Manufacturing Bulletin and be kept informed about manufacturing industry news and new manufacturing technology.