Great fanfare and anticipation of future economic benefits have accompanied the announcement of new direct flight routes from North Texas to other parts of the world -- including the latest, to Australia -- and for good reason.
Dallas/Fort Worth Airport CEO Jeff Fegan and his team have aggressively focused efforts on expanding North Texas' reach -- and connection -- to new markets. This international air service development initiative accomplishes way more than just attracting a higher volume of tourists to North Texas. Ultimately, direct flights connecting DFW to a new part of the world result in new economic development and bilateral trade opportunities.Recently, a delegation of 23 North Texas business and tourism leaders had the opportunity to travel to Brisbane, Australia, on Qantas Airlines -- the latest air service development partnership. Hosted by the DFW Airport and facilitated by the North Texas Commission, delegates included members from the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau, Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Dallas Regional Chamber, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, the World Affairs Council, Tarrant County College and several area business leaders.The North Texas delegation met with a consortium of business and government leaders in Brisbane and Sydney, all of whom walked away with an understanding that North Texas is a powerful place in which to do business. The Australian leaders were clearly impressed with the low cost of living, high quality of life and favorable business-friendly atmosphere that we tout in all of our economic development and tourism initiatives.While the trip went a long way in educating Australia about the opportunities here in North Texas, it also was a huge success for some of our local business leaders. Herb Beckwith, CFO of Justin Brands, found the trip invaluable: It allowed him to investigate new markets and make crucial connections that will speed up the company's distribution expansion into Australia by as much as nine months.A number of factors already at work are driving progress between North Texans and Australians. Their economy is booming with a large volume of jobs readily available for skilled workers, which complements our strong economy and large pool of highly qualified employees. Australians are strong allies of the United States and have a special affinity for Texas. In fact, Texas already exports $1.7 billion in goods annually to Australia, according to Kim Beazley, the Australian ambassador to the United States. More than 9,000 Australian companies do business in our country, employing about 84,000 workers.While there are many successes to date to celebrate, both sets of delegates concluded there is room to expand this relationship. In particular, North Texans have expertise that is crucial to Australia's continued economic growth, especially related to infrastructure development, logistics and distribution, and oil and gas extraction.For example, Australia's rugged terrain makes it difficult to pursue inland distribution routes; Australians have adjusted their living conditions by inhabiting land along the shorelines instead of directly addressing this challenge. This opens the door for North Texas companies to provide consultants and employees to help the Australians develop inland infrastructure and logistics solutions.In addition, Australians are studying the methods we are using to extract oil and natural gas. The successful strategies developed in the Barnett Shale are recognized worldwide, and a team of representatives from Australia's oil and gas industry makes regular visits to consult with our experts on how to duplicate these strategies in their country.We have known all along that North Texas is an economic powerhouse in the United States. This recent mission trip proves that our credibility and value extend far beyond our borders. We look forward to recruiting businesses and jobs, pursuing bilateral trade and even having our local colleges and universities establish agreements with universities abroad in an effort to broaden economic opportunities between North Texas and Australia.DFW Airport has provided us with a great opportunity to strengthen our ties with Australia, enhanced by the common ground -- and attitudes -- we share. Now it is up to us to capitalize on these new connections to the benefit of the North Texas region.We look forward to area business and civic leaders joining us on our next trade mission in October. This will allow us to further expand our working relationships and drive continued economic success and prospects for growth for North Texas and our new friends down under.David Berzina is executive vice president of economic development for the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce.www. fortworthchamber.comMike Rosa is vice president of economic development for the Dallas Regional Chamber. www.dallaschamber.orgHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
