Introduction CEDA Members, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen. I am very pleased to be in Adelaide, and to have the opportunity to address such a high-calibre group. Over many years, CEDA has made a significant contribution to public debate on important policy issues in Australia. It won't surprise you to learn that 1998 is shaping up as a challenging year for everyone in Government and business - no less so on Australia's trade policy front. As Minister for Trade, my task is to make sure that we maximise Australia's exports.
More exports means more growth which means more jobs.
That is the most important economic equation, as far as I am concerned. I am pleased to say that this comprehensive approach yielded real dividends, shown by Australia's greatly improved export performance last year. And South Australian industries played an important part in that export achievement. The Coalition Government is maintaining a pragmatic, results-oriented approach to trade policy in 1998. But before I talk more about trade policy, I want to speak briefly about the subject which has grabbed headlines in recent weeks - the Asian financial and economic crisis, and what it means for Australian business.