An innovative new national program to support more Australian businesswomen to engage in international trade and investment was launched by the Parliamentary Secretary for Trade, Justine Elliot.

The Women in Global Businessprogram will provide opportunities for training and education, networking and trade and investment activities with women from around Australia and abroad.

"Businesses owned and operated by women are one of the fastest growing business segments but despite success in domestic markets they are less likely to become exporters.

"Through this new, national program we want to support more businesswomen take their products and services to the world", Mrs Elliot said.

Together Austrade and the governments of NSW, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and the ACT are jointly cooperating to support the program which will connect women who are considering or just starting out in exporting with other successful women in the exporting community.

"The program is an extension of the assistance provided through Austrade to support Australian businesses export.

"The Gillard Government is investing in infrastructure, high-speed broadband and skills development and is working at opening up new trade opportunities through continued trade liberalisation and the Women in Global Business program will help Australian businesswomen make the most of these opportunities," Mrs Elliot said.

Businesswomen interested in being involved with the Women in Global Business program should contact Austrade on 13 28 78.

Media enquiries

• Parliamentary Secretary's Office: (02) 6277 4554
• Departmental Media Liaison: (02) 6261 1555