Agricultural trade mission to Asia opens new doors

Published Wednesday, 14 September, 2016 at 03:04 PM

Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries
The Honourable Leanne Donaldson

Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Leanne Donaldson has just returned from a productive and busy trade mission to Jakarta, Hong Kong and Beijing.

The week long trade mission was an opportunity to meet with industry and government officials and to profile Queensland produce to industry leaders, Asian importers and distributors.

A highlight of the week was catching up with Queensland Exhibitors in Hong Kong at the Asia Fruit Logistica, Asia’s leading trade show for international fresh fruit and vegetable sector and associated supply chains.

“The ‘Logistica’ was a real opportunity to promote our nation and state’s premium and high quality produce directly to industry, importers and distributors,” The Minister said.

“I had the great privilege to be able to officially open the ‘Australia Fresh’ stand and lend my voice to the great products on display and to help boost Queensland’s export trade with Asia.”

The Minister also hosted an important networking lunch in parallel to the ‘Logistica’ which drew keen interest from delegates and industry alike.

“The lunch started out as a rather intimate affair but quickly more than doubled in size due to the interest Asian industry leaders wanted to find out more about Queensland produce.”

“The interest levels really excited me and I know those Queensland exhibitors in attendance were able to make vital connections and to discuss future partnerships with our Asian neighbours.”

Beef was high on the agenda for the Minister’s meeting in Jakarta, a city which requires 150 tonnes of beef per day.

It was a unique opportunity to have an open and honest dialogue the Governor of Jakarta and high ranking Indonesian departmental officials about Queensland’s partnerships with Indonesia.

“Australian representatives from Selected Seeds and Sugarbag Station were able to have honest and robust discussions about our premium beef and opportunities for trade and exchange of technology with Indonesia.”

“Selected Seeds spoke at length about the need for quality feed and this started a conversation possibly opening up a new and exciting exporting opportunity with Indonesia.”

“In addition, delegates were also able to directly speak with Asian supermarket chain representatives in Indonesia, Hong Kong and China to gain an understanding of what their consumers are looking for and how to better promote Queensland products and build our export opportunities.”

“One of the main takeaways from the mission was the fact our Asian neighbours, with an ever burgeoning middle class, are looking for clean, green, sustainable and safe premium products.”

“Queensland is in an excellent position to meet these requirements with our robust biosecurity and farming practises.”

“This trade mission put Queensland front and centre as a reliable source of premium products.”

 

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