Visit of Western Australia Agriculture and Food Minister

Australia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr Bill Farmer, welcomed this week’s visit of Western Australia Agriculture and Food Minister Kim Chance. Mr Chance’s visit to Indonesia will boost bilateral trade and investment opportunities for Western Australia’s agri-food sector.

Mr Chance is meeting with officials from the Indonesian Agriculture Ministry and senior food industry executives to discuss and develop opportunities for live cattle exports, wheat and seed-potato industries, and premium agri-food products.

Wheat is currently the most valuable West Australian export commodity to Indonesia, accounting for approximately 70 per cent of the exports worth in excess of $350million in 2005/06.

“Australian wheat flour is used by Indonesian manufacturers of instant noodles, cakes, biscuits, pasta and bread,” Mr Farmer said.

Mr Farmer said the visit would consolidate new trading relationships to export seed potatoes to Indonesia.

“Western Australia already supplies significant exports of seed potatoes to Indonesia, but potential exists to double the current volumes in the next two years,” he said.

“Indonesia has indicated a desire to open new areas to cultivation to meet the growing demand for crisping potatoes, and Western Australian seed potatoes can assist Indonesian growers to develop their industry.”

The visit includes a meeting with the Government of East Java to strengthen trade and investment opportunities through the Sister-State Relationship and commit support to the involvement of Indonesia as the Guest Nation at this year’s Perth Royal Show.

The delegation will visit a new feedlot in East Java to inspect the trial shipment of Western Australian cattle being housed there.

Further information:
(Western Australian Delegation) mob. 0812 301 4891