Graham Poon, CEO TropLinks, Bottom Photo, Front Row, 4th from the Right

Graham Poon CEO, recently attended the 20th Annual Pacific Power Association Conference in July in Guam.  Hosted by the Guam Power Authority, the event was a fantastic opportunity for delegates to attend technical presentations, meet Utility Board Members and other Trade Exhibitors.

Each year, the conference gains more participants and it is the largest energy conference in the region, focusing on all aspects of electricity in the Pacific Island.

The mission will be dual stream, with dates as follows:
Stream 1: 22 – 31 July 2011 (dates are flexible to suit your needs)

This stream will cater for delegates wishing to incorporate the Pacific Power Association Conference, which runs from 25 – 28 July, into the mission. (Conference fees are not included in the mission fee).
Stream 2: 26 – 31 July 2011

This stream will assist delegates not attending the conference, on other commercial areas.

The purpose of the mission is to showcase Tropical Expertise, build partnerships and explore opportunities being brought about by the military build-up.

The spark for much of the interest in Guam, is the impending military build-up (projected cost: over $10bn), though most of the opportunities for Australian companies are in the civilian, non-military areas. Guam will become one of the brightest places in the US to do business with high growth prospects and a business friendly government in place.

Cost: $1,990 members (inc. GST)
$2,190 non-members (inc. GST)
Why should you participate?

TropLinks will provide:

A specifically targeted appointment programme for your business with accompaniment by TropLinks staff where possible;
Appointments with key government officials, political leaders and members of the local business community;
Larger scale to smaller opportunities available;
Opportunity to promote your products and services by participating in networking activities;
Establish a foothold in Guam which may open other markets in Micronesia;
Take the opportunity to learn more about current economic and political conditions;
Benefit from comprehensive logistical arrangements including group transportation, hotels and daily itineraries; and
Detailed mission guide including market, culture, political, economic and travel information.

Who should attend?

Building and construction services
Energy services with a focus on renewable and demand side management
Education and training providers
Hospitality and tourism services
Green building and design
Supply of goods and equipment
Marine services

Mission Leader Profile

Graham Poon, CEO of TropLinks, has lived and worked in Guam and Micronesia for over 6 years and has assisted Australian businesses in accessing this market for almost 20 years.

Graham has a high level of understanding of the business, cultural and political aspects and has facilitated transactions totalling over $30,000,000.

Registrations close Monday, 4 July 2011

The primary objective of the trade mission, led by TropLinks CEO, Mr Graham Poon, was to showcase Tropical Expertise, build partnerships and explore opportunities being brought about by the military build-up.

TropLinks CEO, Mr Graham Poon advised that the mission has unveiled significant partnership opportunities for trade and investment between TropLinks members and local companies on the island of Guam.

According to Mr Poon, a total of eight companies participated in the trade mission, some having secured direct and immediate business opportunities and others having forged relationships and exchanged dialogue in pursuit of strengthening commercial ties.

With representation from a cross section of industries including, training and education, engineering, refrigeration mechanics, electrical, project management, and renewable energy, the participants of the mission reported positive outcomes and high potential prospects for doing business on Guam.

Mr Peter Langbien, CEO of Skill360 Australia commented, “I have participated in two TropLinks trade missions, one to PNG and now Guam. I would definitely recommend TropLinks’ services to any business looking to explore opportunities in new overseas markets for the first time. They provide excellent value for money and take the time to understand the needs of the participating business prior to departure”.

TropLinks is committed to active follow up and engagement of the participants to ensure that the initial discussions translate into successful projects and ventures. Mr Poon advised that TropLinks intends to return to Guam in July.

Mr Jeff Voacolo, Senior Vice President of WPCS International Incorporated, agreed that ‘Follow up is the key’. Mr Voacolo further added “This trade mission was a very successful trip. TropLinks was fantastic and WPCS appreciated everything TropLinks did for them.”

The presence of the TropLinks delegation attracted much media attention on Guam, with articles appearing in local newspapers. Delegates were welcomed by key representatives from the Guam Chamber of Commerce, the Guam Economic Development Authority, Senators from the 31st Guam Legislature, Commission of Consolidated Utilities, business support organisations and the business community.

Mr Quinn will be an important contact for businesses who intend to pursue business opportunities in Guam, which is one of the three primary areas targeted by TropLinks.

Mr Quinn’s original visit was postponed due to Cyclone Yasi.

Date: Wednesday, 18th May 2011

Time: 10am – 11am

Venue: The Boland Centre, 14 Spence Street, Cairns

Cost: $20.00 per person

Mr Quinn is a career foreign service officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). He has extensive professional experience in the Asia Pacific region. In 2010, he was Foreign Policy Advisor at the Asia Pacific Civil-Military Centre of Excellence. Prior to that, he was Australia’s Ambassador to Afghanistan (2008 – 2009). Earlier diplomatic postings were as Counsellor (Political) at the Australian Embassy in Seoul, Republic of Korea; First Secretary in Indonesia and Third Secretary in Thailand.

Please RSVP to Jodie Dollery by Wednesday, 11th May 2011.

For further information, please contact the TropLinks office on (07) 4041 0955

TropLinks, Northern Australia’s leading organisation in the promotion, commercialisation and export of Tropical Expertise, has today announced details of an upcoming Trade Mission to Guam.

The primary objective of the trade mission, led by TropLinks CEO, Mr Graham Poon, is to showcase Tropical Expertise, build partnerships and explore opportunities being brought about by the military build-up in Guam.

Approximately 15 companies from Northern Australia are expected to participate in the trade mission which will commence from 11th – 14th April 2011.

Participants of the trade mission will benefit from a specifically targeted appointment program and access to key government officials, political leaders and members of the local business community.

Commenting on the impending trade mission, Mr Graham Poon said “There are numerous business opportunities arising from the direct effects of the military build-up. Many of the opportunities that are developing are an excellent match for the supply capabilities of Northern Australia and its leadership in Tropical Expertise.”

The trade mission will focus on partnership opportunities in the following industries:
 Education and training
 Building and construction
 Energy services with a focus on renewables and demand side management
 Hospitality and tourism
 Health services
 Engineering and technical services
 Green building and design.

For further information about the Guam Trade Mission, please contact Jodie Dollery at TropLinks on 07 4041 0955,
e-mail: jodie.dollery@troplinks.com. Alternatively, please visit www.troplinks.com.

Trade Mission to Guam – Late March/early April 2011

Trade Mission to Papua New Guinea – Date to be determined

Trade Mission to Pacific – Date to be determined

Domestic Trade Mission to Brisbane – Date to be determined

Domestic Trade Mission to Canberra/Sydney/Melbourne – Date to be determined

Domestic Trade Mission to Darwin – Date to be determined

Brett joins TropLinks from his previous role as Regional Manager with Austrade, where he was responsible for the entire North Queensland Region.  He has previously established Exporters Networks in Victoria and Queensland and led trade missions into the PNG the South Pacific, United States, Canada and New Zealand.

Developing his understanding of innovation and commercialisation, Brett became Regional Manager for AusIndustry (Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research).  In this capacity, he had identified the need for companies to pursue innovation in a strategic manner. This led him into collaborating with like-minded people in North Queensland, and as a founding member, created the Tropical Innovation Awards.

TropLinks CEO, Graham Poon says “We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Brett Henderson to TropLinks.  His experience and drive will be of enormous benefit to the organisation.  His insight and advice will be invaluable, as we strengthen the organisation’s objective to develop members’ capacity to commercialise and export Tropical Expertise to international tropical markets.”

Commenting on his appointment Brett said “Northern Australia is an exciting place to be right now, and will undoubtedly be an economic driver into the future. We have the knowledge, experience, products and services that can be utilised as a competitive advantage in areas such as agriculture, health and the environment. I look forward to this challenging role in commercialising and showcasing our tropical expertise to the world.”

“Troplinks welcomes individuals and companies to become members of Troplinks. If you have a product or service that is well suited to the tropical environment please contact us directly” said Mr Poon.

Brett Henderson can be contacted on 0421 761 838.  Alternatively, for further information about TropLinks, please visit www.troplinks.com or contact Jodie Dollery, Office Manager on 07 4041 0955, e-mail: jodie.dollery@troplinks.com.