Brazil has emerged as a diversified and growing economy. It has vast agriculture resources and is a net exporter of agriculture and food products. Traditionally it was perceived that Brazil was one of Western Australia's major competitors however there are opportunities for collaboration in developing world trade. The State of Sao Paulo, in particular has a well developed agri-business sector and accounts for much of the growth in exports of sugar cane ethanol, orange juice, coffee and soybeans among other products.
The Department of Agriculture and Food has established a dialogue with the Ministry of Agriculture, universities and the commercial sector in Sao Paulo aimed at sharing information and developing trade.
Contact our Brazil desk via email to agrifood@agric.wa.gov.au
China is the world's most populous nation and the largest farm producer, by volume. However, China's overall gross domestic product (GDP) is growing faster than agricultural GDP. Rising incomes, strong consumer demand, and limited arable land for crop production indicate that agricultural imports will be likely to grow as domestic consumption supersedes domestic supply. In addition, China's modernisation process and major developments in the retail sector have seen growing brand awareness and an increase for higher quality commodities amongst Chinese consumers which include an interest in western cuisine (dairy, cereals, fast-food, convenience and speciality foods).
In the future China represents a challenge, opportunity and threat to WA agri-food producers. Trade with China, however, is not without its complexities. There is a wide gap between cultural awareness, business nuances, management, technical and language skills. Relationship building (Guan Xi) is an intrinsic element in developing trade and commercial business relationships with China.
China is one of Western Australia's emerging agri-food export markets for products and increasingly for related industry services and the trade relationship continues to grow. It is suggested that China's growth potential is such that it is likely that it will overtake Japan as Western Australia's major market by 2010.
The Department of Agriculture and Food has established:
Relationships with a Chinese research organisation on exchange of germ plasmas for WA breeding and has developed mutually beneficial projects.
Exchange programs with Chinese visiting scientists in the areas of economics, horticulture, breeding, and climate change.
Close relationship to government in the province of Shandong, Zhejiang, Guangdong and Hong Kong SAR.
A WA Trade Development Consultancy Office to develop trade and attract investments into WA.
Joint projects in wool processing.
A China desk facilitating industry networks and business contacts for trade and market development.
Contact our China desk via email to agrifood@agric.wa.gov.au
Europe is Western Australia's fourth major market for agri-food products. Major exports are wool, grains, meat (lamb and mutton), fisheries products and wine. The Western and Central European market represents a rather sophisticated and mature market in respect to demand and distribution channels.
The Department of Agriculture and Food focuses on analysing current and future trends in the European retail and food service sector including compliance requirements and costs set by EUREPGAP and retail businesses.
The Department of Agriculture and Food coordinates the WA delegation visit and presence at the Anuga World Food Trade Fair, held in Cologne, Germany held every second year.
Contact our Europe desk via email to agrifood@agric.wa.gov.au
India is one of the largest markets in terms of production, consumption, export and growth prospects. Per capita consumption of processed and imported foods are increasing due to an increase in urbanisation, changing lifestyles, growing per capita income and increased spending patterns. Western Australia's agri-food exports to India have increased steadily over the last 5 years. Major exports include wool, fruits, beverages, pulses and oilseeds.
The Department of Agriculture and Food has a history in the Indian market and will continue its activities having worked on several aid projects, driving exports of stone fruits and bulk bin apples from Western Australia to India, and developing strategies to increase Western Australia's agri-food exports into the market. The Department of Agriculture and Food works closely with National Food Industry Survey (NFIS) and the WA Trade Offices in Chennai and Mumbai to facilitate increased market access of packaged food products into the premium retail and food service sector markets.
Contact our India desk via email to agrifood@agric.wa.gov.au
Accounting for approximately 16 per cent of the Western Australia's total agri-food and fisheries exports, Japan is the state's number one market. Main commodities exported include wheat, canola, barley, lobster, hay and beef and there is increasing interest in value added products. Due to the availability of premium prices the Japanese market is extremely competitive and importers are continually looking for something new and unique to differentiate themselves in the market. There is also a strong consumer interest in ensuring food safety and buying products that have natural health benefits, subsequently Western Australian products are very appealing to the Japanese consumer.
The Department of Agriculture and Food facilitates the "Farm to Plate" concept of traceability and sophisticated supply chain arrangements to meet consumer requirements. The Department has developed a strong relationship with Japanese trading houses that still play a major role in sourcing products. The Department also has built linkages with small and medium sized companies that are now keen to establish direct business relationships with exporters and producers. The Department of Agriculture and Food has also developed the Made by Japanese In Australia' strategy to encourage investment from Japanese companies which wish to supply the Japanese market using safe, quality Australian raw materials.
The Department of Agriculture and Food coordinates the WA delegation visit and presence at the Hofex and Aichi trade fairs held annually in Japan.
Contact our Japanese desk via email to agrifood@agric.wa.gov.au
BACK TO TOP
Through financial support programs and tax incentives the Malaysian Government is focussing on attracting investment into local food businesses with the aim of developing a modern food processing industry targeted at the world's Halal, in particular the Middle Eastern food markets. The Department of Agriculture and Food is monitoring these developments to identify opportunities for future collaboration.
The Department of Agriculture and Food has established a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Health Division to promote livestock trade and exchange of information in livestock production and breeding.
Contact our Malaysia desk via email to agrifood@agric.wa.gov.au
With a population of more than 560 million people, the Middle East represents a tremendous market for food and agriculture commodities. It is Western Australia's third largest export market particularly for grains, live animals, meat and some horticultural products.It is likely to continue being an important market as Middle Eastern agricultural production is limited by factors such as climate, lack of water and environmental issues, meaning the region will rely heavily on agriculture and food imports in the future.
The Department of Agriculture and Food facilitates a number of Ministerial delegation visits to and from Middle Eastern countries to develop Memorandum of Understandings with the aim of increasing trade relations and is working on contracts to provide consultancy services in variety of areas such as food safety and quality assurance.
As part of a joint initiative with Austrade, the Department of Agriculture and Food is continuing promotion of the WA agri-food industry in Libya and has established a representative office in Tripoli.
The Department also coordinates the Western Australian representation at Gulf Food trade show held in Dubai.
Contact our Middle East desk via email to agrifood@agric.wa.gov.au
Singapore
Singapore is a modern economy with historical linkages to Western Australia through education, trade, investment and tourism. Singapore has been one of Western Australia's major trading partners of agri-food products. Major exports opportunities for Western Australia include meat (pig meat, beef, mutton and lamb), vegetables, wheat, fisheries, dairy and fruits.
Singapore is a mature, very competitive and price driven market for agri-food products. The Singaporean food industry is highly integrated and aims to develop into a major regional food distribution centre, servicing surrounding countries. This represents future opportunities for alliances with the food manufacturing sector.
The Department of Agriculture maintains a strategic working partnership with the retailer Cold Storage and has launched a WA's Finest Food promotion in the stores. Additionally, the Department works closely with large food manufacturing companies and importers in Singapore, to develop opportunities for WA food products.
The Department also coordinates a stand at the annual Food and Hotel Asia event which is held in Singapore.
South Korea depends on imports for approximately 70 per cent of its food and feed consumption. Despite this, it is still one of the most protected agricultural economies in the world. South Korea is one of the Western Australia's top 5 largest export markets for agri-food products. Major West Australian agri-food exports to South Korea include wheat, lupins, barley, beef and veal.
South Korea is an emerging and growing market for imported high value food products. Importer, distributor and agent channels are rapidly developing and are highly fragmented. There is a growing demand in functional, organic and premium food products.
The Department of Agriculture and Food has developed a strategic partnership with GS Mart, one of the largest supermarket chains in South Korea to promote WA agri-food products. The Department also identified opportunities for WA companies in the food service sector and is now developing a strategic alliance with South Korea's major food service companies.
Contact our South Korea desk via email to agrifood@agric.wa.gov.au
BACK TO TOP
The implementation of the Thailand - Australian Free Trade Agreement in January 2005 increased opportunities for West Australian agri-food exporters to Thailand. These include horticultural, beef, wine, dairy and cereal products.
The Department of Agriculture and Food has successfully been involved in market access and the promotion of WA agri-food products with major supermarket chains in Thailand. For example the Department organised in-store market promotions for WA strawberries and the WA Finest Promotion with Tops Supermarkets, the largest supermarket chain in Thailand. The Department has also worked with other major retailers/importers in Thailand to maximise the export opportunity for WA agri-food products to the Thai market.
Contact our Thailand desk via email to agrifood@agric.wa.gov.au