`Hard sell' to pay off, says Egan.(Brief Article)

A new, more aggressive approach by New South Wales exporters will enable them to exploit Asia's looming economic turnaround, according to State Treasurer Michael Egan.

He said diversification into new markets -- and an imminent improvement of exports to Asia -- meant Australian businesses were well placed as they entered the new millennium.

"Business now is getting out and seeking markets whereas once they produced their product, put it on the shelf and said, `Come and get it'. There's a new climate in Australian business. It's much more outward looking," Egan said. "And as Asia comes back on stream that's going to be very good news for us."

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