Article – Bipartisan trade mission to strengthen live export industry

6 August 2015
Bill Byrne
My Sunshine Coast

The Northern Territory and Queensland Governments will lead a delegation on a bipartisan trade mission to Indonesia, aimed at supporting Northern Australian agribusiness.

NT Minister for Primary Industry and Fisheries Willem Westra van Holthe will be joined by Queensland Agriculture Minister Bill Byrne, along with an industry delegation including the Northern Territory Cattleman’s Association and the Livestock Exporters Association.

Minister Westra van Holthe said the visit is timely given Indonesia’s recent decision to significantly reduce live cattle imports.

“This trade mission will target important Indonesian markets where Northern Australia will be promoted as a supplier of choice,” Minister Westra van Holthe said.

“Several high level meetings have been scheduled, including discussions with the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs. We’ll also meet with the Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Affairs and host a networking reception for industry.

“Importantly, the delegation will also meet with the Australian Ambassador and visit Indonesian feedlots and wet markets where we will have direct discussions with industry about the clean, green produce that comes out of Northern Australia,” Minister Westra van Holthe said.

Queensland Minister for Agriculture Bill Byrne said it is important Queensland agribusiness is showcased and marketed to the emerging South-East Asian market.

“This mission will target important Indonesian markets for Queensland, including our state’s world-class food and agribusiness,” Minister Byrne said.

“I am a strong advocate for the live cattle export industry and I am looking forward to meeting with various stakeholders during this trip to look at possible opportunities for Queensland.

“Queensland’s food and agriculture sector is valued at more than $14 billion per year and is our state’s second-biggest export earner, contributing more than $13 billion to the state’s economy.

“Relationship building, networking and developing trust is an integral part of doing business in South-East Asia.”

Minister Westra van Holthe will continue on to Thailand where he will undertake a field trip with industry.

Courtesy of My Sunshine Coast

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