Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor is encouraging local businesses to take advantage of the new opportunities created by the landmark Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the major Asian economies of Japan, Korea and China.

On Wednesday 6 May, Mr Taylor is co-hosting a seminar on the new FTAs with the Minister for Small Business Bruce Billson at the Yass Soldiers Club, from 2pm to 5pm.

“These agreements delivered by the Abbott Government provide preferential access to a market of over 1.5 billion people – putting our home-grown businesses in the driver’s seat in these lucrative Asian markets,” Mr Taylor said.

He encouraged exporters and businesses from across the region to attend the Yass seminar, one of the first in a series to be rolled out around the country.

“Whether you specialise in manufacturing, food production or service provision, whether you’re an already established exporter or just starting out in business, the seminars are designed to provide information to leverage the opportunities created by the FTAs,” Mr Taylor said.

He said the seminar was an ideal networking event, allowing participants to share their experiences with other business people and learn from experts in the trade space.

“Trade specialists will be on hand to offer targeted advice and assistance on how to navigate the export market.

“There’s growing demand across Asia for our world class goods and services; the opportunities are there for the taking, and if seized upon, will help create jobs and build our economy,” he said.

To register for the Yass seminar, please visit: www.austrade.gov.au/ftaseminars