AGY-5147 | Overseas Trade Authority

Full description

The Overseas Trade Authority was established by an Executive Council Minute on 21 September 1977. The Authority reported to the Premier’s Department. (1)

The main functions of the Authority were to:
• Advise the Premier on all matters associated with the fostering, encouragement and co-ordination of trade between the State of New South Wales and overseas countries;
• Collate information on trends, requirements, finance, on trade with overseas countries and to brief the Premier on such matters as required;
• Co-ordinate the provisions of technical assistance by specialised personnel, upon request or in circumstances considered by the Authority to be appropriate, where such assistance may be of advantage in promoting the State’s trade with overseas countries;
• Maintain liaison with the State’s overseas offices on matters relating to trade negotiations and trading arrangements; and
• Arrange as appropriate, regular reconnaissance visits overseas to investigate and explore trade possibilities. (2)

In 1977-1979 the Authority's functions were: to foster New South Wales trade by providing an advisory service to interstate and overseas exporters in relation to technical matters, trends, overseas requirements, etc., and to advise the Government on promotion of trade generally. (3)

In 1982 the Authority's functions were: to increase exports from New South Wales by identifying trading opportunities for New South Wales businessmen through its regional / country market, commodity, overseas offices trade promotion and other programmes. The Authority advised the Government on trade matters generally. (4)

In 1985 the Authority's functions were: advising the State Government on general trade matters; responsibility for identifying trading opportunitiess for New South Wales businesspersons through liaison with the State's overseas offices and related programs. (5)

In August 1986, the Authority reported to the Department of Industrial Development and Decentralisation. (6)

In 1987, the Authority was abolished and replaced by the New South Wales Government Trade Development Board and the New South Wales Office for Trade Development. (7)

Endnotes
(1) Concise Guide to the State Archives (S-Y): State Development: International Division.
(2) Ibid.
(3) The Government of New South Wales Directory of Administration and Services: Guide to the functions and services provided by State organizations. 1st ed., October 1977. Sydney, Government Information Service, 1977, p.237; ibid., 2nd ed., March 1979. Sydney, Government Information Service, 1979, p.290. 
(4) Ibid., 3rd ed., 1982. Sydney, Government Information Service, 1982, p.345.
(5) Government Reference Directory, 1985-1986. Sydney, Information Publications, 1985, p.33.
(6) Loc. cit. n.1.
(7) Ibid.; NSW Government Directory. 5th ed., 1987. Sydney, NSW Government Information Service 1987, p.215.