AALEP OPENS REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE IN AUSTRALIA

AALEP whose primary function is to promote and encourage high standards among public policy advocates through professional development and networking announced that it has opened a Representative Office in Perth, Western Australia on July 1st, Australia's new Financial Year, in recognition of Australia's growing importance in Asia-Pacific Region and global stage and to better serve its members. In addition, it announced that Ms. Mary Jardine Clarke, Principal of Clarke Corporate Communications and Consulting will serve as Chief Representative for the office and lead efforts to strengthen relationships with Australian colleagues to identify and address their most important issues from their perspective, and to increase engagement with the public sector and academia.

In Brussels, AALEP is dedicated to contribute to the strengthening, expansion and diversification of trade in goods and services as well as investments between the EU and Australia; to advocate for mutual efforts to improve market access and the flow of goods and services and to break down myths and misconceptions in Europe about Australia and in Australia about Europe.

The 28 members of the EU as a bloc constitute Australia's largest foreign investor: " At the end of 2012, the EU's foreign direct investment in Australia totalled $ 156 billion- approximately 28.3 per cent of Australia's total inwards foreign direct investment. The UK dominates EU foreign direct investment in Australia followed by the Netherlands and Germany. The EU accounted for $ 80 billion of outwards Australian direct investment as of 31 December 2012 with the UK and Germany the leading investment destinations. Though the EU is already one of Australia's largest trade and investment partners, there are opportunities to expand the trade and investment relationship, particularly in continental Europe. Australia is well placed to be a reliable and efficient supplier of energy and resources to Europe for many years to come with its abundant natural resources. Europe is a major market for Australian wine, medicines, pharmaceuticals and vitamin industries. The EU services market, particularly in the education and tourism sectors, is an important market for Australian serviec providers. Product niches are continuously being identified in the food and beverage industries.". (Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade-Australia, Website 2014). www.dfat.gov.au