The COVID-19 Manufacturer Response Register, an online register introduced last March through the federal goverment’s Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC), is now open to keen international buyers.
This move is set to gain new export opportunities for Australian companies, as well as have the potential to create new jobs.
The COVID-19 Manufacturer Response Register was created so local manufacturers and suppliers of crucial products such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) could support the national response to the pandemic.
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said having stepped up to support domestic production – manufacturers can now take on new markets and sell their products overseas.
“By opening the Register to international buyers, Australian companies will be able to utilise the skills and supplies they have developed and keep people in jobs, while helping in the fight against COVID-19 overseas,” Minister Andrews said.
“The Register has been very helpful in matching manufacturers and suppliers of COVID-19 related products to areas of demand,” she said.
She continued that the online Register has enabled businesses, hospitals, GPs and community groups to find suppliers of PPE, including masks and gowns, and hand sanitiser.
Minister Andrews maintained that it has fostered impressive collaboration between companies and accelerated the development of such products as ventilators and relief beds.
The use of the online Register is free for all parties, with the main purpose of being a platform that enables buyers and sellers to meet.
On the platform, producers can upload a profile and product description, while buyers search for what they need. Overseas entities can also register as buyers but not as sellers.
AMGC Managing Director Jens Goennemann said the addition of international buyer access to the Register would benefit local and international businesses alike.
“Australia’s effective response to COVID-19 has meant that local demand for these products has reduced, but there is still high demand overseas,” Goennemann said.
“The Register has helped link buyers and sellers, forged collaborative efforts and helped build new onshore capabilities – such as invasive ventilators. Now, with the addition of international buyers, the Register will serve to broaden the positive impact Australia’s manufacturing industry is having in response to the pandemic,” he said.
He continued that Australian manufacturers supply world class products and international demand for these will benefit local businesses and help bolster onshore manufacturing endeavours..
AMGC has no further involvement once a contact has been made in the Register. This means that any business deals are conducted between interested parties off the site.
Buyers in the platform can also search for products registered with the Australian Made Campaign and with relevant Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approvals.
Source: Minister for Industry, Science and Technology media release