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► REACH - European Union's new chemical regulations

The European Union (EU) has provided a six-month window ending 1 December to pre-register chemical substances under new regulations introduced recently. This may affect the ability of Australian companies to do business with the 27 member states of the EU, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

For further information, check the Australian Government website: www.dfat.gov.au/trade/infocus/reach.html



► Sustainable packaging company wins landmark Beijing Olympics deal - 8 July, 2008

Melbourne-based manufacturer Biograde Ltd has secured a landmark deal to supply official biodegradable packaging materials to the Beijing Olympic Organising Committee (BOCOG).

In an official signing ceremony this week in China’s manufacturing hub of Nanjing, Biograde and BOCOG will confirm a deal to supply 5.5 million biodegradable bags. The products meet or exceed all global biodegradability standards, including stringent requirements set by the European Union.

The acting Minister for Trade, Martin Ferguson, said Biograde’s success was potentially the largest deal of its kind in the world this year and demonstrated that an increasing commitment to sustainability by China could deliver real export opportunities for Australian business.

“The challenge China faces in terms of environmental management practices as a result of economic development and rapid urbanisation represents an opportunity for innovative Australian companies to not only help China achieve its goals, but in turn expand trade and create jobs for Australians,” Mr Ferguson said.

“Australia has the opportunity to become a world leader in the sustainable manufacturing, packaging and biodegradable plastics sector. We need innovative new export products like this if we are going to diversify our economic base and provide for Australia’s economic security beyond the resources and mining boom.”

“The deal will extend beyond the Olympics, with Biograde partnering with the Beijing Advanced Materials Development Centre to further educate and work with the Chinese manufacturing sector to help improve standards in sustainability.” The Australian acting minister for Trade added.

► Australia's New Trade Policies and Priorities - January 2008

Australia faced some challenges on the global trading scene, according to new trade Minister, Mr. Simon Crean, but he also said that the new Government also recognized that productivity growth was central to lifting Australia's international competitiveness and it was implementing a framework for boosting export growth. For the full communique, click here.