Western Downs farmers one step closer to China opportunities

China’s demand for Australian produce was on the menu for Western Downs agricultural producers who attended a series of Agriculture Export Opportunities forums hosted this week by Food Leaders Australia (FLA) and supported by natural gas company QGC.

The forums, held in Tara, Wandoan and Chinchilla on 26-27 April, were well attended and focused on assisting attendees identify and maximise emerging opportunities with Chinese consumers.

Chief executive officer of FLA Dr Ben Lyons said it was great to see a solid number of agricultural producers in the Western Downs region turn out to hear more about export opportunities to China.

“It’s been a fantastic two days out west providing guidance to Western Downs farmers on the opportunities for their business in China with participants walking away with vital information necessary to further explore their export potential,” Dr Lyons said.

Richard Holy, general manager at global logistics company DB Schenker, discussed the importance of effective transport and logistics systems in order for businesses to connect with Asian markets.

In particular, Mr Holy highlighted the importance of rail in order for long term transport efficiencies to facilitate export opportunities.

Speaking on behalf of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Director Bonnie Shek gave guests an insight into Hong Kong’s role as a gateway to Asia, particularly China.

“Being located in the southern tip of China, Hong Kong has got very easy access to the Chinese market, and also to many of the other major markets in Asia,” Ms Shek said.

“Hong Kong is very much a hub for the trading and not only for the trade but also for investment.”

Ms Shek noted that there were a number of characteristics of the Hong Kong market that were quite attractive to Australian exporters, including very low trade barriers, open and transparent regulations with no grey areas, efficient world-class logistics systems and regularly upgraded infrastructure to support these systems.

“In terms of the food trade between Australia and Hong Kong, this has been quite healthy,” Ms Shek said.

“Hong Kong imported US$943 million of agricultural products and seafood from Australia in 2014.”

Guests also heard from Efic State Director for SME – QLD & NT Natalie Reid-Frost and TSBE CEO and former China-based trade advocate, Dr Ben Lyons.

The forums mark the official beginning of the Western Downs Eastern Opportunities project, a new partnership between FLA and QGC.

As a part of the project, an expression of interest process will now be undertaken with forum attendees to select up to 10 companies to participate in a targeted trade mission to China later this year and to gain expert, tailored coaching and advice to help build their export readiness over the next 12 months.

QGC Managing Director Tony Nunan said QGC is helping to develop sustainable regional economies and recognises the importance of a strong agribusiness sector to local communities.

“We look forward to hearing about the success of businesses participating in this new project with FLA,” Mr Nunan said.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for agricultural producers looking to grow.”