Australia #1 in international survey

AUSTRADE chief economist Tim Harcourt is encouraging exporters to take advantage of the exposure achieved in a recent international consumer survey, where ‘Australia’ was ranked as number one.Mr Harcourt said the findings of the inaugural GMI-Anholt Nation Brands Index survey of consumer attitudes to a range of selected countries had ranked Australia in first place.“Australia’s ranking in the survey means our country is highest in consumers’ minds around the world,” he said.“I want Australian businesses to recognise the value of the Australian brand and to consider exporting their products or services now – or if already exporting to widen their export reach.”Mr Harcourt said the survey showed Australia was particularly high-ranking as a tourist destination, and as a place to migrate to or invest in.“In addition, the Australian economy’s success is widely admired and Australia is regarded as a place that ‘works’ – a good place to travel to and do business with,” he said.The survey ranks each country by tourism, exports, governance, investment, immigration, culture and heritage, and people.Despite its overall first place, Australia did not rate highly in terms of exports and culture and heritage.