Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Peter McGauran, said today that representatives from six Australian agribusinesses would visit China as part of the Australia-China Agricultural Cooperation Agreement (ACACA) programme.
“The visits will focus on export opportunities for Australian producers in aquaculture, horticulture, cereal hay, table grapes and wheat flour.
The programme will also explore ways to improve the economics of short-rotation eucalypt plantations in Australia and China,” Mr McGauran said.
“The vast Chinese market represents an extraordinary opportunity for Australia’s rural sector to increase its exports, and this programme allows our agribusinesses to make face-to-face contact with their Chinese counterparts.
“It also provides Chinese organisations with the opportunity to visit Australia and gain a better understanding of our agriculture, fisheries and forestry practices.”
Each delegation will spend up to two weeks in China, developing their knowledge of the local market and establishing vital business contacts.
The ACACA programme is jointly managed and funded by Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and China’s Ministry of Agriculture.
Almost 200 exchange projects have been undertaken in sectors including beef, dairy, wool, fisheries and food processing since the programme was established in 1984.
ACACA funds visits by up to six Australian agribusinesses to China every 18 months. The next funding round in 2009-10 will be advertised in late 2008.
Projects To Boost Australia-China Trade Links
AUSTRALIA - Australias agricultural trade links with one of the worlds fastest growingeconomies will be further strengthened under the latest round of Australiasagribusiness exchange programme with China.
