Question No. 330

Senator Ludlam asked the Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 6 December 2010:
Has Austrade provided any services, assistance or grants to Australian companies investing, or doing business, in Burma; if so, can a detailed explanation be provided of those services.

Senator Conroy - the following answer has been provided by the Minister for Trade to the honourable Senator's question:

Answer

Austrade does not have a presence in Burma, which is covered by Austrade's Bangkok office. The Bangkok office has received occasional enquiries from Australian companies seeking generic information regarding trade opportunities in Burma. In all cases, enquiries were referred to the Australian Embassy in Burma.

Austrade has not provided direct services to Australian companies seeking to develop trade opportunities in Burma. In the most recent financial year, 2009-10, Austrade paid Export Market Development Grant (EMDG) scheme grants to two companies who listed Burma in their top six export destinations.