HANDSHAKES SEAL MAJOR AGRIBUSINESS DEALS

Queensland producers have signed almost $3 million in trade contracts for live cattle exports to Malaysia and Indonesia, and cattle handling and agricultural equipment since the World Meat Congress and Beef 2006.

Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said Queensland agribusiness was reaping rewards with major export deals as a result of the Queensland Government’s business matching program, “Handshakes”.

“Handshakes is the biggest trade and export initiative in Queensland to date, attracting more than 200 delegates from 17 countries, and 35 interstate representatives,” Mr Mulherin said.

“The project provides Queensland and international enterprises with a unique chance to explore business opportunities and meet face-to-face.”

“Handshakes” was rolled out from the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries with Austrade at the key trade events; World Meat Congress and Beef 2006 earlier this year.

Fifty Queensland companies participated in the program from a variety of meat and livestock related areas such as genetics, nutrition, pasture management, food safety and integrity, and livestock equipment.

“Queensland companies are negotiating exports of beef genetics to Argentina, Bolivia and New Caledonia, as well as partnerships with Argentina and consultancy services and training in Brunei,” Mr Mulherin said.

“Queensland agribusiness is taking advantage of increasing opportunities in the overseas market and will continue to grow with the support of export programs that build on critical supply-chain networks.”

DPI&F is building on the momentum from this success through working with Austrade to promote Queensland expertise in livestock products and services at the XIII World Brahman Congress and Exhibition Fair to be held in Colombia in the first week of December.

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