Ready for business

Australia has been called 'The Lucky Country'. It can certainly be very lucky for those business people who immigrate, because it has a highly sophisticated and comprehensive business structure. People, communications, transport, financial services and all other aspects of infrastructure are well above average in Australia. So whatever line of business you are in, you can be ready to start very quickly.

Highly skilled people
Australia's education system produces world-class graduates in all disciplines. Each year, three times more engineers, six times more scientists and nearly ten times more economics and business management students graduate from Australian universities than from Singapore's and Hong Kong's combined. You will be able to draw on research and development skills in areas as diverse as information technology, agribusiness, medicine, pharmacy and biotechnology, resource processing, materials and basic engineering. And with such a huge pool of skilled professionals, our charge-out costs are comparatively low.

Australians are well up to date with modern workplace skills. Literacy is universal, and the general standard of education is very high. Computer ownership is high as well, which means widespread computer literacy.

Communicating
Advanced telecommunications such as mobile, voice and data satellite communications connect Australians with one another and with other world centres, allowing services such as direct dialling and funds transfer to almost anywhere on earth. Australia has an extensive fibre optic network and this is expanding domestically and internationally. Even households are being connected to this network at a rapid rate. There are two fully integrated telecommunications systems, one government-run and one privately operated.

Transport is vital
International trade has always been at the core of Australia's economy. An efficient transport network, both within the country and overseas, has been essential to the growth and success of Australia's world wide trade links. Air transport - passenger and freight - is especially well developed internally and internationally. Australia has more than a dozen international airports. Ocean freight is becoming ever more competitive with improvements in work practices on Australian wharves. Australia has a large rail network and an excellent road system.

You can bank on Australia
The financial services sector is fully integrated with the rest of the world, and has the advantage of being in a time zone close to the major Asian markets. Many international companies have located their Asian headquarters in Australia to take advantage of these excellent financial services. The Australian Government recognises the importance of new business enterprises. Grants and marketing support are available, especially for value-adding processes and manufacturing. And there are no special business restrictions on new arrivals in the country. All you need is resident status, and you're free to go into business in 'The Lucky Country'.