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MINCHIN PROMOTES AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRY IN SOUTH AMERICA 9 February 2001

9 February 2001             01/050

MINCHIN PROMOTES AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRY IN SOUTH AMERICA  The Minister for Industry, Science and Resources, Senator Nick Minchin, leaves tomorrow on a ten day industry mission to South America.

While the main focus of the mission is to visit INVAP, the successful Argentinian tenderer for the replacement research reactor at Lucas Heights, Senator Minchin will also be promoting Australian industry capabilities in Brazil, Chile and Argentina.

The programme includes meetings with representatives from INVAP and visiting the Argentinian Government's nuclear waste facilities to view first hand their experience with waste management and reprocessing.

"I welcome the opportunity to see INVAP's headquarters and inspect their facilities at Bariloche, including their research reactor and radioisotope production facilities. I will be holding discussions with representatives of INVAP, the Argentine Government, and the regulatory authorities from the Argentine Atomic Energy Commission.

"The awarding of the contract to INVAP for the replacement research reactor followed an extensive and extremely rigorous tendering process undertaken by ANSTO. After a prequalifying process, INVAP was ultimately successful, winning the contract against companies from Germany, France and Canada.

"The visit will also be an excellent opportunity to enhance bilateral relations and cooperation between Australia and Argentina, particularly with respect to commercial opportunities arising from the exchange of science, knowledge and nuclear technology.

Senator Minchin will also meet with the Brazilian Government's Science and Technology Minister to discuss the potential benefits of enhanced bilateral cooperation.

"The Brazilian Government recognises the pivotal role science and technology plays in economic and social development and acknowledges the potential benefits of cooperation between the two countries."

During the visit, Senator Minchin will promote Australia's automotive and automotive components industry, fast ferries, mining services and software industries where there is potential to expand Australian involvement in South America.

"Of particular interest to Government representatives in South America is the implementation of our $2 billion Automotive and Competitiveness and Investment Scheme (ACIS) designed to foster a strong and robust automotive industry in Australia.

"The main objective of ACIS is to encourage investment, innovation, research and development in the automotive industry.

Last year Australia exported 1800 Holden vehicles worth approximately $56 million to Brazil and the future viability of our industry depends upon fostering and building on these trade linkages.

In Chile, Senator Minchin will address a public seminar hosted by "Estrategia", the nation's leading daily business newspaper, to explain the Federal Government's five year programme for innovation, Backing Australia's Ability to business leaders, government officials and academics.

Contact:  Jennifer Eddy, Senator Minchin's office

02 6277 7580

CMR055-01

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