New forum to strengthen our agricultural cooperation with China

The longstanding agricultural cooperation between Australia and China was highlighted this week at the inaugural Australia-China State-Province Agricultural Business Forum held on 12 September.

 

Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, Luke Hartsuyker, addressed the forum and said it was an important opportunity for Australian governments, peak bodies and organisations to extend our valuable trade and investment ties with Chinese representatives.

 

“Australia holds our trade relationship with China in very high regard, and this forum is another example,” Minister Hartsuyker said.

 

“The forum brought together key representatives who can foster new agriculture cooperation initiatives and create opportunities for future growth in trade and investment—to the benefit of both countries.

 

“Australia has a long and proud history of agriculture and food production, with a reputation as reliable producers of high-quality, clean and safe food for markets around the world.

 

“This forms an important foundation for the China–Australia trading relationship.

 

“The real value of our partnership is realised through how well our respective governments work together, and how well our respective industries collaborate.

 

“That is why our trading relationship has such a strong future with growing two-way trade and investment in agricultural commodities and products—to the mutual benefit of farmers, producers and consumers in both Australia and China.

 

“China is currently Australia’s largest market for agricultural and food exports—with major exports of wool, beef, sheep meat, dairy products and grains—and food consumption in China is projected to rise 104 per cent between 2009 and 2050.

 

“The China–Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) was a significant step forward in our trading relationship, and will only continue to improve the returns that trade delivers our two nations. Since the ChAFTA entered into force, there have been three tariff cuts and these cuts are having a positive effect in supporting strong export growth.

 

“I hope this inaugural forum provides a new avenue for our industries and our governments—to develop closer relationships and business opportunities.”