The trading relationship between German and Australia has shifted in recent years as subsidised German coal production is progressively wound down.
According to Dr Werner Müller, federal minister of economics, trade between Germany and Australia reached the DM9 billion level for the first time last year. Australia is the third most likely destination for German investment, behind the far larger trading partners Japan and China. In 1999 this investment amounted to DM5.7 billion.
“In the recent past, the country has expanded its economic relations with Europe and, above all, with Germany. Both sides profit from this trend. Australia has coped well amidst the financial and economic crisis affecting Eastern Asia, not least of all owing to the country's broad range of external economic relations,” Müller said in a press release.
“Germany, too, wishes to continue along the route already taken. In this connection, we would like to see Australian companies become involved to an even greater extent in Germany and in a Europe that is expanding and becoming more unified.”
Müller indicated that the export of Australian coal would be treated within an overall context that includes the export of European and German coal technology.
“This takes account of the interests of both sides,” he said.
Australian coal producers have identified in Germany a growing market for their coal. On the other hand, German equipment and technology suppliers, have targeted Australia as a market for their products. Companies such as DBT have enjoyed success in supplying their underground mining equipment to Australian mines.
Among the subject of the conference will be to examine the use of Australian coal in European boilers, with emphasis on preparing the way for greater use in the EU of imported coals. Another important theme will be to explore business opportunities for European mining and boiler techniques in Australia.
Speakers include Paul O’Sullivan, Australia's ambassador to Germany; David Cain, chief consultant, Rio Tinto; Neil Bristow, manager market planning, BHP Coal; Uli Paschedag, senior engineer, DBT; Jochen Oesterlink, general manager mining, RAG Coal International; and others.
