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New export opportunities with new EU expected
With Central Europe’s accession to the European
Union (EU) just days away, the Australian Trade Commission
(Austrade) is preparing for an influx of new export
opportunities in the states of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania,
Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia.
The new expanded Europe, on 1 May 2004, will become
the world’s largest trading bloc, with a population
of 455 million; larger than the US, Japan and Canada
combined. According to Austrade’s Chief Economist,
Tim Harcourt, the accession is one of the most significant
events seen in Europe for a long time.
“
It is the biggest day since the adoption of the common
currency and perhaps the most significant economic
integration since West and East Germany joined together
after years of Cold War separation,” he said.
“It is also good news for Australian exporters,
with a massive new consumer market opening up. There
will be opportunities for Australian companies in areas
arising through the changes in privatisation, competition
and the development of a new, dynamic market-driven
economy,” Mr. Harcourt said.
In 2003, the EU was Australia’s second largest
destination for exports, accounting for $21.7 billion,
and the largest source of imports at $38.3 billion.
WA Farmers urge government to ratify Kyoto Protocol
The Western Australian Farmers Federation (WAFF) has
written to the Prime Minister, Hon. John Howard MP,
urging his Government to ratify the Kyoto Protocol.
WAFF Land Management and Conservation portfolio holder
Garry English said that whilst ratifying the Protocol
will not in itself resolve the greenhouse issue, but
it will send a strong signal to the world that Australia
is committed to making a contribution towards management
of this serious problem.
“From an agricultural perspective a warmer climate,
lower rainfall and greater evaporation, plus more extreme
climatic events such as cyclones, droughts and floods,
will have a direct impact. Accompanying this will be
higher insurance premiums, the need to change some
crop varieties to adapt to new conditions and, in other
situations, complete change of enterprise,” he
said.
Prime Minister John Howard has said signing the protocol
would drive energy industries from Australia.
"That argument doesn't wash with me and it doesn't
wash with a lot of people," said Mr. English.
“Interestingly, this action will not cost the
government. It is also noted from government statements
that Australia is already complying with national emission
targets so we have nothing to lose,” said Mr
English.
“In fact, this could be a positive way that
the Australian Government can offer an incentive for
landholders to address environmental issues at the
same time as assisting economic diversification and
adjustment” he added.
The WAFF will continue to lobby both Federal and State
Governments to achieve a favourable outcome on this
issue that will position agricultural industries to
be better able to manage the impact of climate change
and Greenhouse into the future.
 And they're off…
The world's biggest bookmaker has teamed up with the
Conservation Foundation and the Tasmanian State Government
to launch an environmental project with all the excitement
of the Grand National. Celebrities from around the
world have given their backing by coming on board
as 'owners' of the runners to help raise awareness
of the project and its aims.
Between now and 5th August 2004, the TSAs' migration
will take them from three small islands off Australia's
mainland to South Africa. Ladbrokes.com has provided
the funding for 18 of the birds to be fitted with the
satellite transmitters so their progress can be closely
followed by scientists in the first ever study of juvenile
TSA migratory movements.
Around 300,000 seabirds die from longlining each
year, with many albatross species facing extinction
as a direct result. The situation is as serious as
the fate dolphins faced from tuna fishing in the
80s before public awareness and pressure brought
about a change in fishing techniques.
Ladbrokes.com hope that the project will help capture
the imagination of the public and encourage more countries
to sign the Agreement for the Conservation of Albatrosses
and Petrels (ACAP). ACAP requires signatory states
to take specific measures to reduce seabird by-catch
from longline fishing and improve the conservation
status of the birds. Britain recently signed up to
the agreement, but many more countries need to do so
if the albatrosses are to be saved.
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