ABOUT 100 business owners flocked to a seminar in Hurstville to learn how they could take advantage of free trade agreements with China, Japan and South Korea.
Federal Minister for Small Business Bruce Billson spoke at the event at Club Central, which targeted small and medium businesses who already export or are looking at possibilities.
"The response was so good more chairs had to be brought in," Mr Billson told the Leader.
"It was really positive and one of the most strongly attended seminars we have had across the country."
Mr Billson said he also received enthusiastic comments when he and Banks MP David Coleman visited Hurstville businesses during the day.
"They have a very strong enterprise culture as well as connections to North Asian economies," Mr Billson said.
"This community is very well placed to take advantage of the trade agreements, which will grow the economy and jobs."
Other speakers at the seminar included officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Austrade and other government agencies.
Mr Billson said some good experiences were shared, and there was a lot of encouragement for export plans.
Exports to North Asia included food and beverages, cosmetics and skin care products and a wide range of services.
"There are export opportunities for service providers, whether they be lawyers or in travel, financial services and other professional services, or aged care," Mr Billson said.
SIGNED AND SEALED
Bruce Billson said Australia’s free trade agreement with China, which was signed in June, would come into operation later this year. Separate agreements with Japan and South Korea had begun already.
Do you know of any businesses that are doing well from the free trade agreements?
