The Liberal Government’s Trade and Investment Mission to Asia is set to deliver more market opportunities for Tasmanian businesses and grow our trade relations with Asia.
Asia Fruit Logistica, the largest fruit and vegetable trade show held annually in Asia, provides a central platform for Tasmanian producers to promote their premium fresh produce which is indeed the envy of the world.
Yesterday, I joined a strong contingent of Tasmanian fruit and vegetable growers in Hong Kong attending the trade show. With 13,000 importers and fresh produce buyers from more than 76 countries at Asia Fruit Logistica, this was a terrific opportunity for Tasmanian producers to find new customers and grow exports.
The Tasmanian exhibitors received a high level of positive feedback and enquiries, showing how highly regarded Tasmanian produce is by international buyers.
Meeting with several Tasmanian exporters including Houston’s Farm, Hansen Orchards and Reid Fruits, and some of their major Asian buyers, proved how valuable these trade missions are for delivering tangible business opportunities.
Houston’s Farm has only recently secured a supply agreement to sell lettuce into Hong Kong and I was delighted to be able to see the first shipment on sale at ParknShop.
The agricultural leg of the Trade Mission which I am leading is continuing over this weekend with more meetings between major supermarket chains, on-line retailers as well as a major Chinese importer of Tasmanian wool.
More than 80 per cent of Tasmania’s international exports find their way into the Asian market, with the agriculture and seafood sectors strongly represented.
The Hodgman Liberal Government will continue to support Tasmanian farming businesses to develop the strong growth in trade and reach our Agrivision target of $10 billion by 2050.
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