Rugby World Cup 2003 thrusts Western Australia’s (WA) internationally renowned sporting and hospitality facilities, unparalleled tourist destinations, and winning trade and investment opportunities on to the world stage.

Over the last few years the State has undergone profound structural change, resulting in a widely diversified, internationalised economy with major export markets across the globe.

In addition to its traditional strengths in world-class mineral, petroleum and agricultural resources, WA - the gateway to Asia - also has a world-class supply of goods and traded services. These range from fast ferries to smartcards, from pharmaceuticals to construction skills and make the State an excellent place to do business.

The sharp business player will recognise the abundance of opportunities and will seize this chance to convert rugby pleasure into serious business.

To promote these outstanding opportunities, the Department of Industry and Resources (DoIR) will provide the innovative Western Australian Business and Investment Centre (WABIC).

WABIC will assist members of local and global business communities to capitalise on strategic trade and investment opportunities in WA – all while enjoying the festive atmosphere of Rugby World Cup 2003.

Located in the foyer and on the panoramic 46th floor of the prestigious BankWest Tower, WABIC is in the heart of the thriving Perth central business district. This outstanding facility offers an environment conducive to promoting partnerships - between industry, business, government, academia, the community and others.

WABIC will provide, free of charge, a range of functions which offer the opportunity to network with guest presenters, government and industry representatives and other business people while enjoying refreshments and taking in breathtaking views of Perth.

These functions will include Business Matching and Introductory Services, Networking Functions, Information Services and Industry Opportunity Briefings – all of which are now open for registration (see details below).

The BUSINESS MATCHING AND INTRODUCTORY SERVICES will fully utilise new and established networks and comprehensive databases from DoIR, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Western Australia, Business Councils and other sources to introduce and match businesses.

NETWORKING FUNCTIONS will include as guests, high profile and public figures such as the Minister for State Development; Tourism and Small Business the Hon. Clive Brown MLA.

AN INFORMATION SERVICES area will operate in the foyer of the BankWest Tower to provide direct assistance and access to government and private sector web site information, publications and other information required.

INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITY BRIEFINGS will offer professional presentations from experienced industry specialists and provide invaluable first-hand information and advice during networking and one-on-one question time. The range of topics for discussion includes:

Business migration and establishing a business
Presenters from the Small Business Development Corporation and BankWest will elaborate on why WA welcomes business and business migrants. They will also discuss how the State Government actively assists and guides qualifying business migrants through sponsorship and incentive programs, and provides agencies to help establish business success in Western Australia.

Agri-Business opportunities and challenges
Opportunities abound in the land of plenty. Experts from WA’s Department of Agriculture and experienced farmers will relate how the State’s hundreds of millions of hectares provide the fertile base for a vast range of opportunities unique to this sector.

Oil and gas projects, industry developments and investment opportunities
Western Australia is one of the richest resource provinces in the world, which explains why the State is the most popular target for mineral and petroleum exploration, and for development and downstream processing opportunities in the Asia–Pacific region.

Representatives from industry and DoIR will discuss these opportunities.

WA Marine State and Australian Marine Complex
Presenters from internationally renowned marine companies JBFM Babcock Pty Ltd and Austal Ships and DoIR representatives will highlight potential business success in one of the world’s most technologically advanced shipbuilding, marine engineering and fabrication centres - the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) - located just south of Perth.

Sports industry administration and sports medicine
Experts from Sport International WA and the Department of Sport and Recreation will discuss WA’s sporting prowess, the competitiveness of its elite athletes and world market opportunities that exist in the State’s sport and recreation industry.

WA wine industry networking function
Wine Industry Association representatives and experienced local producers will elaborate on WA’s dynamic wine industry, its high-quality, premium products and the growing success which has resulted in its strong reputation and international presence.

Education City – Perth’s education institutions and facilities
Meet representatives from WA’s prestigious, internationally recognised educational facilities and discuss with them the possibilities for successful trade and investment in what is a thriving global enterprise.

ICT – Gartner Breakfast Meeting
International consulting group Gartner will host its monthly breakfast meeting, at which, a specialist will speak on the latest developments and opportunities in Australian ICT. These popular events are well attended by a cross section of the industry and provide an excellent networking forum (costs will apply).

To register for these functions go to http://www.doir.wa.gov.au/wabic/rugby or contact Rob Parker, Manager, WABIC on +61 8 9222 5555 or email rob.parker@doir.wa.gov.au

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2003 – PROUDLY HOSTED BY THE INTERNATIONAL RUGBY BOARD AND THE AUSTRALIAN RUGBY UNION