EFIC supports export of Australian horticultural expertise to Macau

Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC), Australia’s export credit agency, has helped an Australian-led venture secure a contract to provide specialist landscaping and horticultural services in Macau’s booming resort and casino strip.

The Brisbane-based McGeochs of Birkdale Nursery, together with Hong Kong-based Asian Sportsturf Limited led by expatriate Aussie Darren Moseley, established Prema Birkdale Horticulture (Macau) Limited to undertake contracts worth over A$20 million for the ‘The Venetian’ and the ‘City of Dreams’ resort-casinos in Macau.

EFIC has issued an advance payment bond and two performance bonds to Venetian Orient Limited in connection with The Venetian contract.

“EFIC’s support has been absolutely vital and the assistance with bonds is one of the best things that EFIC can do to support Australian exporters,” says Birkdale Nursery’s Barbara McGeoch. “It puts small to medium-sized exporters on a level playing field with larger corporate competitors in global markets.”

The two Macau contracts include the supply and installation of ornamental horticultural plants, turf, irrigation and lighting. Prema Birkdale will source many of the plants and materials from Australia, as well as from Birkdale’s nursery facility in Zhuhai, north of Macau.

“EFIC is pleased to back the export of Australian horticultural expertise by issuing bonds in support of Prema Birkdale’s contract for The Venetian in Macau,” said Angus Armour, EFIC’s managing director. “Our bonds give Australian exporters the added security to compete more effectively in global markets.”