It was noted by the exhibition and event association of Australia that the Minister for Trade announced on the 14th of May 2001 that the EMDG scheme's minimum grant is to be increased to $5,000, effective for applications lodged from 1/7/2002.

In addition to the increase in the minimum grant to $5,000, a number of other changes previously announced in 2001, come into effect for applications lodged from 1/7/2002, including:

* the reduction from $20,000 to $15,000 of the minimum expenditure required to access the EMDG scheme (over two years for first time applicants)

* the eligibility of costs of inward travel to Australia by potential overseas buyers. Eligible applicants may claim up to $7,500 per buyer per visit, up to $45,000 for the grant year

* the removal of the restriction that consultants must be "short term only", merges the overseas representation and consultants categories, and caps them at $250,000

* the broadening of the trade fairs category by including seminar costs,

in-store promotions and similar export promotion activities

if you want to know more about the EMDG Programme, contact us