Development of the resource rich Sakhalin Shelf is already underway with two oil and gas development projects currently in progress and a further eight to ten planned. Investment in the first two projects, led by ExxonMobil and Shell, is expected to total US$20 billion.

Austrade's National Manager Central Europe, Peter Kane, said more than US$100 billion will be invested over the life of the resource.

"Austrade would like to encourage Australian businesses who may have the right products and services for the project to contact us without delay. Companies with products that match project requirements will be invited to accompany Austrade on a mission to Sakhalin Island from 22-26 June 2003," Mr Kane said.

"Sakhalin Island will provide long-term business opportunities for suppliers with an expected influx of some 12,000 employees to the region to work on the projects.

"Business opportunities aren't restricted to the oil and gas industry. The arrival of employees to the region will create demands for accommodation, and recreational facilities, foodstuffs as well as in areas of social infrastructure in such fields as health care, education and environment.

"Requirements for imported materials and expertise are extensive and Australia is well placed in terms of capability, experience and geographic proximity to win business," he said.

Sakhalin Island is located off the east coast of the Russian mainland and is the centre of the largest current oil and gas development in the world. These development projects aim to provide oil and gas to customers in Japan, Korea and possibly North America as well as the Russian home market.

Austrade has launched a "Project Sakhalin" strategy to develop opportunities for Australian suppliers, which will include workshops in April in Sydney (23rd), Brisbane (24th), Perth (28th) and Melbourne (30th).

For more information about the mission and the workshops visit www.austrade.gov.au (Trade Events) or contact Elizabeth Dwyer at Austrade on (02) 6201 7456.