Published Monday, 13 October, 2008 at 02:29 PM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
Landmark agreements strengthen Qld-PNG trade relationship
PORT MORESBY: Queensland has strengthened its trade relationship with Papua New Guinea following the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding today in Port Moresby, PNG.
Queensland Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin signed the MoUs for the agriculture and fisheries industries with PNG Minister for Agriculture and Livestock John Hickey and PNG Minister for Fisheries Ben Semri.
“This is a landmark occasion in our relationship that will allow us to explore collaborative projects for mutual industry development,” Mr Mulherin said.
“The benefits will be seen in biosecurity, resource sustainability, workforce development, regional prosperity and stability.
“The agriculture MoU presents opportunities for agricultural, scientific and technological collaboration, including activities such as training, animal and plant health, and sustainable agricultural practices.
“The fisheries MoU focuses on sustainable fisheries and marine systems, and includes opportunities for information sharing, capacity building, biosecurity, and research and development.
“A key area we are interested in is workforce development to improve skills and labour.
“Activities may include short-term professional exchange opportunities, and training in assets and human resource management, career development and whole-of-government consultation.
“Our similar climate and challenges in subtropical and tropical agriculture production mean we can learn from, and share, our experiences and innovations,” he said.
Minister Mulherin’s visit is part of a trade mission to PNG led by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries to showcase Queensland products and services to PNG agribusinesses.
“A number of Queensland companies are participating in the trade mission including suppliers to the cattle, pig, poultry, tree and field crop industries, as well as organisations involved in agricultural training, land stabilisation and restoration and freight logistics,” Mr Mulherin said.
“They will be at a business seminar to be held on 15 October and a public Agriculture Trade Show and Field Day on Thursday 16 October. Both these events will be at the National Agricultural Research Institute, Lae and will give PNG agribusinesses the opportunity to discuss their business needs and develop supply-chain contacts.”
The mission is a joint initiative of the Queensland Government and Austrade.
Media: 3239 6350
Queensland Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin signed the MoUs for the agriculture and fisheries industries with PNG Minister for Agriculture and Livestock John Hickey and PNG Minister for Fisheries Ben Semri.
“This is a landmark occasion in our relationship that will allow us to explore collaborative projects for mutual industry development,” Mr Mulherin said.
“The benefits will be seen in biosecurity, resource sustainability, workforce development, regional prosperity and stability.
“The agriculture MoU presents opportunities for agricultural, scientific and technological collaboration, including activities such as training, animal and plant health, and sustainable agricultural practices.
“The fisheries MoU focuses on sustainable fisheries and marine systems, and includes opportunities for information sharing, capacity building, biosecurity, and research and development.
“A key area we are interested in is workforce development to improve skills and labour.
“Activities may include short-term professional exchange opportunities, and training in assets and human resource management, career development and whole-of-government consultation.
“Our similar climate and challenges in subtropical and tropical agriculture production mean we can learn from, and share, our experiences and innovations,” he said.
Minister Mulherin’s visit is part of a trade mission to PNG led by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries to showcase Queensland products and services to PNG agribusinesses.
“A number of Queensland companies are participating in the trade mission including suppliers to the cattle, pig, poultry, tree and field crop industries, as well as organisations involved in agricultural training, land stabilisation and restoration and freight logistics,” Mr Mulherin said.
“They will be at a business seminar to be held on 15 October and a public Agriculture Trade Show and Field Day on Thursday 16 October. Both these events will be at the National Agricultural Research Institute, Lae and will give PNG agribusinesses the opportunity to discuss their business needs and develop supply-chain contacts.”
The mission is a joint initiative of the Queensland Government and Austrade.
Media: 3239 6350