CBC welcomes support of industry group partners to Commonwealth Business Forum, 2011 The Commonwealth Business Council (CBC) is pleased to announce the participation of a number of Australian and regional business, industry and trade associations that have signed on as industry partners of the Commonwealth Business Forum, 2011 (CBF), to be held in Perth, Western Australia from October 25-27.

Forum organisers have been working hard to garner the support and participation of a number of high profile representative groups whose members, through the partnership, can benefit from a range of incentives, such as discounted registration.

Among the groups to formally ratify their partnership are:

• Australian British Chamber of Commerce
• Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Australia India Business Council
• Australia India Institute
• Business Council of Australia
• Chamber of Commerce and Industry Western Australia
• Committee for Melbourne
• Melbourne Mining Club
• Trans-Tasman Business Circle
• United Nations Principles for Social Investment

The Director General and CEO of the Commonwealth Business Council, Dr Mohan Kaul, welcomed the partnership with industry groups, outlining a number of mutual benefits that will come from the alliance.

“The Commonwealth Business Forum is set to be the premier – and certainly the largest – trade, investment and business event on the Commonwealth calendar this year. Our partnership with these highly respected organisations will certainly help to broaden the Forum’s appeal across a wide range of industry sectors, helping to make this year’s Forum one of the most diverse ever,” Dr Kaul said.

“Trade and industry associations like those that have so generously supported us play a vital role in opening trade and investment doors across international borders. We are confident that those members who attend the Forum will benefit tremendously from hearing from our line up of international political and business leaders, as well as the unprecedented networking opportunities the Forum will present.

“We appreciate the support of each of our industry partners and look forward to making the Forum a resounding success for them and their membership base,” Dr Kaul said.

The Forum has also received the backing of the British High Commissioner to Australia, Paul Madden, who said: “The Commonwealth Business Forum is a unique opportunity for business leaders and governments to unlock the potential in the Commonwealth, one of the strongest and most enduring networks in the world. Strong bilateral relationships underpin our economies, with over $3 trillion in trade happening every year within the Commonwealth. UK Trade & Investment, the British Government’s trade and development arm, works closely with Australian industry groups and I believe the CBF provides an ideal opportunity to strengthen economic partnerships for all nations in the Commonwealth.”

Industry partners have welcomed the opportunity to encourage their members to attend the Forum and experience the trade and investment benefits it is expected to deliver.

Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry CEO Peter Anderson said: “ACCI and our National Member Network, including all Australia’s State and Territory Chambers of Commerce and 28 National Industry Associations, are proud partners of the 2011 Commonwealth Business Forum. As a trade exposed nation, Australia’s national commercial and economic interests are best served through deep engagement in global affairs. The CBF2011 is a chance for Australian businesses of all sizes and all industry sectors to open up new commercial opportunities in the established and emerging economies of the Commonwealth.

“Productive trade relationships are enhanced by the policies of national governments and the relationships between private sector partners which can ease ‘behind the border’ challenges for Australian businesses opening up new markets. The impressive line-up of international political and business leaders which the CBF is bringing to Perth will also provide a basis for Australian businesses to enhance their knowledge of potential export markets and their government and private sector networks.”

Australia India Institute Director Amitabh Mattoo said: “The AII is in a unique position to offer a platform for business leaders from both countries, an opportunity for dialogue, debate and networking that has not been possible before and a foundation on which genuine bi-lateral partnerships can be built.”

Mr Arun Sharma, National Chairman Pro Tem, Australia India Business Council said: “The Australia India Business Council is pleased to partner with the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC) to promote the Commonwealth Business Forum (Forum) to our members. India represents a large percentage of the Commonwealth workforce and market. With the government announcing the negotiation of a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement with India this year, it is an important time for our members to take advantage of this rare opportunity to be a part of Commonwealth trade and investment history."

Committee for Melbourne CEO and UN Principles for Social Investment Interim Chairman Andrew MacLeod said: “Australian-based resource companies are leaders in expanding business to developing Commonwealth countries. What makes them different is their ability to maximise social return to the local communities whilst ensuring adequate returns to shareholders. This genuine partnership between business and the community can be further enhanced and expanded through organisations like the Commonwealth Business Council.”

Australian British Chamber of Commerce National Manager David McCredie said: “The Australian British Chamber of Commerce is proud to support this further opportunity for the development of business ties, in not only our bi-lateral relationship with the UK but also extending across the 54 countries of the Commonwealth. As a partner organisation we are delighted to have a number of our member organisations represented on the speakers list, and look forward to participating in a successful event.”

John Weiss, Global CEO, Trans-Tasman Business Circle, said: “We welcome this important conference. Both Australia and New Zealand business are increasingly engaging on the global stage. It is vitally important for both countries that we develop business networks in offshore markets to complement our natural strengths. The CBF plays an important role in providing the platform for corporate and political contacts in the diverse Commonwealth markets.”

The Forum is co-organised by the Commonwealth Business Council, the Australian Government, and Western Australia Government in collaboration with the private sector. It will bring together more than 1,000 business and government leaders to capitalise on business and investment opportunities in the 54 nations of the Commonwealth and beyond.

CBF 2011 will be the largest business event ever held under the Commonwealth banner. It is expected that 15 Heads of Government, 30 Ministers and over 100 business leaders from across the globe will address the Forum. The CBF 2011 communiqué will be presented to the Commonwealth Heads of Government during their summit meeting on October 28 – 30, 2011.

For further information and to register, visit www.cbf2011.com