Economic times a boost to port

Weakening European and US economies could be the catalyst for the South West to strengthen ties with major Asian trading partners at a time when the Bunbury Port is entering a major expansion phase.

China remains one of Bunbury Port’s biggest export destinations, however, other Asian countries such as India, Japan and South Korea are increasingly becoming important to the South West, particularly as the port embarks on its growth strategy.

At a business seminar this week, South West Development Commission chief executive officer Don Punch highlighted the importance of the port to the region’s economic success.

‘‘All roads lead to the port,’’ Mr Punch said.

Alumina is still the major commodity handled in the port, however, other export trades include general cargo, silica sands, mineral sands, woodchips and spodumene.

During the past year, new export trades such as copper concentrate and project cargoes have been added, primarily to encourage the establishment of new industry in the South West.

The commission, along with the Bunbury-Wellington Economic Alliance, Bunbury Chamber of Commerce and Industries and exporters such as Simcoa Operations are working to expand new markets for trade for the region.

‘‘At a broader level the commission believes the future for many mediumsized enterprises is in export — particularly to India and China—so we will build further on these strategies with support of inward trade visits and overseas trade delegations,’’ Mr Punch said.

‘‘Growth is a significant aspect of our region and an important part of the commission’s work will be to continue the development of community infrastructure based on population growth.’’

Simcoa vice-president Jim Brosnan said the troublesomeUS and European markets would become an impetus for businesses to work closer with Asian trade partners.

‘‘The only thing we don’t know is if what is going on in the US will flow through and weaken things dramatically in China, that’s very much an unknown at present,’’ Mr Brosnan said.

‘‘The whole situation is so fluid right now I don’t think anyone really knows how far it’s going to go and what impact it will have on Australia and us here in the South West.’’