FedEx and Austrade launch new initiative to promote Australian exports
FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX), and the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade), have signed a two-year alliance agreement to expand trade between Australia and the United States. The agreement leverages the expertise of both FedEx and Austrade in order to make expert resources available and connect Australian and U.S. businesses that wish to import and export.
Through this alliance, U.S. and Australian businesses will have the tools to better take advantage of the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement, which was effective in January 2005. Through the agreement, more than 99 percent of U.S.-manufactured goods exported to Australia are duty-free. It also made importing products from Australia easier and more cost-effective.
"This is an exciting development for Australian businesses," said Geoff Gray, Austrade Senior Trade Commissioner (USA). "By combining our resources, FedEx and Austrade will make it easier for Australian and U.S. companies to develop commercial relationships. This alliance will also help promote the benefits of the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement to U.S. and Australian companies and generate further interest in trade between the two countries.
"In 2004, bilateral trade between Australia and the U.S. totaled more than US$21 billion," added Gray. "Initiatives such as this will encourage more Australian companies to export, expand their businesses and contribute to our country's economic growth."
The alliance calls for FedEx to promote to its customers the benefits of Austrade's worldwide export assistance network of 100 locations in more than 50 countries, including 18 cities within the U.S. The agreement also supports joint activities between FedEx and Austrade, including Web site links, joint export promotion, sales force training and direct marketing campaigns.
"Our alliance fits within the FedEx international growth strategy, which includes strengthening Australia-U.S. export volume," said Michael Ducker, executive vice president, International for FedEx Express. "FedEx and Austrade are uniquely positioned to help exporters succeed in the global marketplace through our portfolio of services and solutions."
FedEx developed a similar alliance in 2004 with the U.S. Department of Commerce Commercial Services to promote U.S. small business exports through marketing and educational programs.
"Our agreement with Austrade complements the agreement we made with the U.S. Department of Commerce," added Ducker. "Both programs benefit our clients and help them improve their understanding of the international marketplace."
About Austrade
The Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) is the Australian Government's international trade promotion and export facilitation agency. Austrade offers practical advice, market intelligence, contacts and ongoing support to Australian businesses looking to develop international markets. Our team of business development specialists can help Australian companies win business for their products and services by reducing the time, cost and risk involved in entering and developing export opportunities to the US market. Austrade has representation in 18 cities across the United States. For more information, please visit www.austrade.gov.au.
About FedEx Express
FedEx Express is the world's largest express transportation company, providing fast and reliable delivery to more than 220 countries and territories. FedEx Express uses a global air-and-ground network to speed delivery of time-sensitive shipments, usually in one to two business days with the delivery time guaranteed.
About FedEx Corp.
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of US$31 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brands. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 260,000 employees and contractors to remain "absolutely, positively" focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities.
