THE Federal Government has announced $2.45 million of funding towards free training for businesses looking to open up export markets to Korea, Japan and China.
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The Free Trade Agreement Training Provider Grants will be offered over two years to organisations that are able to give FTA training that directly educates small and medium enterprises (SMEs) about how to use FTAs with the three target markets.
Eligible applicants for the grants will be organisations, such as member-based business organisations, registered training providers and educational institutions.
Federal Member for Murray Sharman Stone said one of the Federal Governments objectives was to help businesses reach overseas customers.
Dr Stone said Murray businesses could play a vital role in doing this.
“These Asian markets already account for 62 per cent of Australia’s total goods exports,” she said. “There is a huge opportunity for businesses in the Murray electorate to expand their engagement, particularly in services.
“The FTA’s all have a focus on the agricultural and business services industries which are more 50 percent of the small businesses in Murray.”
Applications for the first round of training provider grants open on Wednesday 28 October and Close on Friday 27 November.
Guidelines for the scheme are now available online, with information sessions also being held around the country to explain the program.
More information and the guidelines can be found online at: www.austrade.gov.au/fta-tp or by calling 1300 136 014.