17 May 2010

South Australian companies are being invited to participate in a proposed Defence Trade Mission to Italy in July.

The Italian Ambassador to Australia has issued an invitation to defence companies supplying capabilities in the land, maritime, electronics and simulation sectors to meet with Italian defence companies in the week 12 - 19 July 2010.

Advantage SA CEO, Nikki Seymour-Smith, endorsed the proposed mission and encouraged South Australian businesses interested in working with the defence sector to participate.

“Advantage SA works closely with the State’s defence agency Defence SA. The Advantage SA State Media Industry Campaign, which is currently in the marketplace, demonstrates the affect that this growing industry has had on the South Australian economy with defence contracts now making up more than $10 billion of the State’s major development figure.”

“The mission gives South Australian companies the opportunity to be exposed on an international scale. Missions provide the chance for companies already in the export business to seek new markets. For those considering entering the export market it provides the opportunity to explore and understand the market entry criteria and meet potential supply chain buyers,” Advantage SA CEO Nikki Seymour-Smith said.
 
The trip will encompass visits to major Italian companies including Beretta, Fiat, Macchi, Finmeccanica and a number of other smaller companies visiting Italian cities including Rome, Naples and Milan.
 
The trade mission is being run through the Federal Government’s Defence Export Unit within the Defence Materiel Organisation. Businesses can register their interest in participating in the mission by emailing Tamara Cardillo at Defence SA on Tamara.Cardillo@defencesa.com by close of business Wednesday 19 May 2010.

Queries can be directed to Tony Martin at Defence SA on 82265027.