SMB exporters will be offered the chance to tap into China’s booming economy during the Beijing Olympics through a joint initiative between Telstra and Austrade.

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The Win Business Gold in China program will offer practical help to Australian companies which have recently established a presence in China.

Coinciding with the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, small business owners will gain insights into the prospects and pitfalls of doing business in China while at the same time enjoying the sporting event of a lifetime.

A panel consisting of senior Telstra Business and Austrade representatives will choose 12 businesses to participate in the program with entries to close on May 25.

Telstra Business Group Managing Director, Deena Shiff, said facilitating business opportunities for Australian small to medium enterprises (SMEs), including international trade, ranked high on the priorities of Telstra.

“China is an emerging market with massive potential for Australian SME exporters and Telstra would like to help them reach this exciting new market,” Shiff said.

Austrade’s Business Club Australia is the Australian Government’s official international business program for the Games and has been endorsed by the Australian Olympic Committee.

“Business Club Australia will provide opportunities for Australian companies to leverage business outcomes while enjoying the Olympics,” Austrade CEO Peter O’Byrne said.

“The China market expertise provided to them through Business Club Australia will provide a platform for them to build their presence in this key market,” O’Byrne said.

In 2007, China became Australia’s largest merchandise trading partner, with two-way trade in goods reaching $52.7 billion.
As part of the program, a new website – China Gold – was launched today where Australian SMEs can apply to be selected to travel to Beijing.