There could be $US2 billion ($2.79 billion) of Pacific infrastructure contracts on offer for Australian companies they mightn’t know about, including $US340 million of water opportunities.
This is the view of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), which will be holding briefings in Brisbane (March 23), Sydney (March 24) and Melbourne (March 25) to boost engagement between Australian industry and Pacific infrastructure programs.
The events, which will target companies involved in the transport, energy, water and social infrastructure industries, will provide updates on the Pacific opportunities on offer over the next two years.
This comes amid an undersupply of “experienced and capable” bidders, particularly for civil projects in the $US10–50 million range.
“Across the Pacific, major projects are moving into design, pre-qualification and tender phases,” Austrade trade commissioner – Pacific, Tim Houghton, said.
“We are seeing sustained demand in civil works, utilities, renewable energy and advisory services. The pipeline packages span transport ($US748 million), energy ($US731 million), water ($US340 million), social infrastructure ($US172 million), and digital ($US16 million).”
Houghton said the roadshows would provide the opportunity to showcase near-term contract openings.
“The roadshows are designed to give Australian firms practical visibility of what is coming to market and how to position early,” he said. “They will also provide clarity on funding structures, procurement pathways and in-market support to help firms assess risk and position early in the process.”
Companies capable of delivering projects valued above $US10 million are encouraged to take part in the roadshows. Austrade is looking for the following, in particular:
- Mid-tier (Tier 2) and specialist (Tier 3) civil construction contractors
- Engineering and design consultancies
- Specialist infrastructure suppliers
- Utilities and energy service providers
Austrade will be joined by representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Department of Defence, Asian Development Bank, World Bank and Export Finance Australia for the roadshows – each of which have stepped up their ambition in the Pacific region.
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