Visit by West Australian Minister for Agriculture and Food: Building New Trade Opportunities with Indonesia

Australia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr Bill Farmer, has welcomed today’s visit by the West Australian Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Hon Terry Redman MLA, as an important means of increasing new trade opportunities and cooperation between Indonesia and Australia.

During his 9-13 April visit to Indonesia, Mr Redman will meet with senior Indonesian government and business leaders, launch a new West Australian tempeh product to the local market and sign an arrangement to help grow and develop the dairy industries in both Indonesia and Western Australia.

Mr Redman will also seek greater collaboration between the West Australian and Indonesian agricultural industries as a way to assist the economies of both countries.

“West Australia highly values its partnership with Indonesia and we consider the use of West Australian agricultural skills, experience and technology could assist in the development and growth of the Indonesian agricultural sector. In 2008-09 Western Australia contributed 42 per cent of total Australian agrifood exports to Indonesia,” Mr Redman said.

Ambassador Farmer said the partnership between Australia and Indonesia in the agricultural sector is very broad, reflecting the complementarities of the two economies.

“The introduction of tempeh products made with West Australian lupins and the arrangement on dairy will reinforce Western Australia’s Sister State relationship with East Java and create a win-win opportunity for both States,” Mr Farmer said.

Australia’s agricultural cooperation with Indonesia also includes a significant program of capacity building, research partnerships and technical assistance aimed at supporting economic growth and food security in Indonesia, as well as improving animal health and quarantine systems.

Media Enquiries:
Sanchi Davis, A/g Public Affairs Manager tel. (021) 2550 5260 mob. 0811 187 3175