An online payment system designed to allow export customers to easily and securely purchase Australian goods in their own currency has won financial support from the government.

MyExports -- a joint project between the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade), online payment company Paymate and courier company DHL-Danzas Air and Ocean -- has secured a grant of AU$165,000 in round nine of the National Office for the Information Economy (NOIE) Information Technology Online (ITOL) Program to develop the online payment solution.

MyExports has the potential to significantly increase the competitiveness of Australia's exporters by making it easier for overseas importers to buy Australian products, according to Austrade's Internet Advisor, Edwin Kuller.

"Allowing overseas importers to pay online in their currency with the same ease and convenience as they would with a domestic purchase will enable Australian exports to be more easily compared to domestic sources," said Kuller. Austrade and the Federal Government have a goal of doubling Australia's exports by 2006.

The Australian Seafood Industry Council has already expressed interest in the program. "The myExports project offers highly significant benefits to the seafood industry," said Russ Neal, CEO of the Council. "At a time of rising costs and a stronger Australian dollar, any saving is vital. A focus on achieving savings for smaller transactions makes this pilot all the more important."

Austrade is looking for companies to participate in the pilot program of myExports. Companies will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis as long as they meet the following criteria:

• You have a currently registered Account with Paymate or intend to register (for the pilot, select "Occasional Seller" if you are not already registered)
• You are already exporting to the UK and have relationships with UK buyers or expect to make sales to UK buyers shortly
• You expect to be receiving payments from your UK buyers over the May-June 2003 period
• You expect to be paid via a Telegraphic Transfer or other payment method either prior to or after shipment of goods
• You do not wish to use a Letter of Credit or other banking facility to receive payment
• You prefer to conduct business online whenever feasible and appropriate
• You believe you can convince your UK buyer(s) to participate in this pilot

Interested companies should visit the MyExports homepage or e-mail Edwin Kuller.

Copyright © 2009 CBS Interactive, a CBS Company. All Rights Reserved.
ZDNET is a registered service mark of CBS Interactive. ZDNET Logo is a service mark of CBS Interactive.