The National Farmers’ Federation’s (NFF) Australian Agriculture Trade Diversification Representative, Su McCluskey, has arrived in China this week to strengthen trade relationships and promote Australian food and fibre in one of the sector’s most important export markets.
The visit is being supported through the Australian Government’s Accessing New Markets Initiative (ANMI).
It will take Ms McCluskey to Shanghai for the China International Import Expo, where she will join Team Australia activities at the Australian Pavilion, including its official opening, and engage with Australian and Chinese businesses, customers, government and industry representatives, before additionally travelling to Qingdao.
The visit will also provide an opportunity to see first-hand how Australian agricultural products are reaching Chinese consumers.
Ms McCluskey will visit supermarkets, wholesale and fresh food markets to gain insights into consumer preferences, retail trends and opportunities for Australian agricultural products.
Trade diversification is not only about opening new markets. It is also about strengthening Australia’s position in key existing markets and identifying new and expanded opportunities for Australian agricultural products.
Ms McCluskey said the visit was an important opportunity to reinforce the longstanding relationship between Australian agriculture and China.
“China is a very important market and partner for Australian agriculture and, as a farmer myself, I know how important certainty and strong, enduring trade relationships are for producers making decisions back home.
“I’m here as part of Team Australia to promote the quality and value of Australian-grown food and fibre, strengthen relationships and explore new opportunities for Australian farmers and Chinese consumers.
“There is no substitute for being here face-to-face. Strong trade relationships are built over time through trust, consistency and showing up. That engagement is so important to building a strong and mutually beneficial trade relationship.”
Background
Hosted by the NFF, the Australian Agriculture Trade Diversification Representative provides a ‘whole-of-sector’ agricultural voice across international trade engagements to support Australian agriculture industries in pursuing trade diversification opportunities in new and existing markets.
The role is funded through the Federal Government’s Accessing New Markets Initiative, delivered by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade).