PM Transcripts

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FOR MEDIA WEDNESDAY, 26 AUGUST, 1981
WORLD TRADE CENTRE
Statement by the Acting Prime Minister
Mr. Anthony.
The Acting Prime Minister, Mr. Anthony, today announced the
Commonwealth Government's intention to lease office space in the
World Trade Centre, Melbourne.
The World Trade Centre complex is a major undertaking of the
Victorian Government which will provide a comprehensive service
to assist in the development and facilitation of international
trade in Melbourne.
The Commonwealth Government is pleased to be associated with
the project and also pleased that elements of its trade-related
Departments will be able to give support to assisting the Centre
in its role of developing Victoria's exports.
The Commonwealth Departments involved are Trade and Resources,
Business and Consumer Affairs and Primary Industry.-The Trade
and Resources element will provide a comprehensive information
service on international trading matters as well as a market
advisory service for devqloping countries. The customs element
of the Department of Business and Consumer Affairs will be
located in the Centre to provide customs services. These two
Departments will move to the World Trade Centre as soon as
accommodation is available. The Primary Industry element will
move into the Centre when the lease of its current premises
expires in 1984.
The location of all these Departments in the World Trade Centre
and their proximity to the Port of Melbourne, the city centre
and commercial trading organisations will, in the Commonwealthi
Government's view, be of great assistance in the development
of Victoria's international trade. 000---