AGRICULTURE minister Leanne Donaldson will visit key Asian destinations next week as head of a trade mission promoting Queensland beef and horticulture products.
Ms Donaldson will lead a trade mission to Indonesia, Hong Kong and China. The mission includes representatives from the Queensland businesses Sugarbag Queensland and Selected Seeds.
Ms Donaldson said she would meet with beef importers in Jakarta, seeking to find ways to further strengthen the existing trade in boxed beef and live cattle.
Meat and Livestock Australia will be participating in a number of these meetings which will also look at new opportunities for beef research and development and training collaborations with Indonesia.
“Queensland’s large areas of grazing land and high standards of beef production, along with our close proximity to Indonesia, make us ideally positioned to supply their market with beef, offal and live cattle, as well as services and technology to support the development of the local beef sector,” Ms Donaldson said.
“With its population of more than 9 million, the city of Jakarta alone requires 150 tonnes of beef per day.
“In 2015-16, Queensland exported about 158,000 head of cattle to Indonesia valued at just over $128 million.
“In the same period, we exported about 16,000 tonnes of boxed beef to Indonesia valued at $92m.
“In addition, there will be meetings with Indonesian supermarket chain representatives.”
Ms Donaldson said an important stop on the trade mission was the Asia Fruit Logistica trade show in Hong Kong where she would be supporting Queensland horticulture exhibitors.
“This trade fair is Asia’s leading trade show for the international fresh fruit and vegetable sector and associated supply chains,” Ms Donaldson said.
“Queensland producers will be showcasing a range of fruit and vegetable products to key international buyers to help boost our export trade with Asia.”
The final meetings of the trade mission will be in Beijing where the Minister will hold discussions with business representatives to boost Queensland beef and horticulture exports and promote agricultural investment opportunities.
Ms Donaldson said Queensland was well placed to capitalise on opportunities for expanding our horticulture and beef exports arising from the Free Trade Agreement with China (ChAFTA).
“While in Beijing, I will also witness the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Queensland agricultural technology firm Suzhou Leaflogik and the Wander Garden greenhouse project,” she said.