Prime Minister Julia Gillard has backed National Manufacturing Week (NMW), Australia's largest integrated manufacturing industry event taking place from 7–10 May in Melbourne, as a showcase of Australia's manufacturing strengths.
Prime Minister Gillard commented: "National Manufacturing Week 2013 will showcase Australian manufacturing industries to the world and encourage Australian manufacturers to develop innovative and internationally leading products.
"This is important because manufacturing makes a significant contribution to a broad-based and diversified economy, helping drive innovation in industry.
"The manufacturing industry is currently facing some tough challenges including a high exchange rate, rapid technological change and increased global competition.? However, the Asian Century also offers unique opportunities to renew Australia's productivity drive and to become more competitive in providing high-quality manufacturing products. Australian manufacturers will be advantaged by a wider set of business opportunities as Asian incomes rise and global value chains expand. Through focusing on their areas of expertise, building niche markets and joining regional value chains, Australia's manufacturers can build on their success.
"The Australian Government is committed to addressing critical challenges and leveraging the rich opportunities ahead for manufacturing. Key directions from the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper and measures such as the NBN, Clean Energy Future Package and the Buy Australian at Home and Abroad initiative will help steer Australian manufacturing towards a brighter future.
"I wish this year's National Manufacturing Week attendees and exhibitions every success and have confidence that the event will help showcase the strength of Australia's manufacturing industry."
Paul Baker, Exhibition Director for NMW 2013 said NMW has established itself over the past 14 years as the largest integrated event for Australia's manufacturing industry.
"NMW is the event that brings industry together under one roof. As well as providing access to products and services from more than 300 exhibitors, NMW is the forum in which manufacturers meet with suppliers, and each other, to seek out new solutions for growth.
"NMW 2013 will be no exception. Alongside the product showcase, this year's event offers a rolling program of product demonstrations, and opportunities – for manufacturers to meet representatives from emerging industry sectors to discuss areas of potential synergy."
"Overall, NMW 2013 will be an important event for industry, and we are extremely pleased to have the Prime Minister's praise for it," Mr Baker said.
Prospective attendees can use the website at nationalmanufacturingweek.com.au to research exhibitors and partner events. Entry to NMW is free for the trade, and visitors can pre-register at nationalmanufacturingweek.com.au to skip the queues when NMW 2013's doors open on 7 May.
