The Tasmanian Government Trade Mission to East Asia later this month will now focus on Japan and South Korea following the need to reschedule the China leg.
Due to the National People’s Congress announced in December, the Chinese leg of the Trade Mission now clashes with preparations for the Congress, and we have been advised that this will make meaningful activities for the Trade Mission difficult during this period.
While this change is unfortunate, Japan and South Korea represent outstanding trade opportunities for Tasmania and I am confident that the mission will still be very valuable to our State.
The signing of the Australia and Korea Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA) means that tariffs of up to 300 per cent are being eliminated on agricultural exports, including strong Tasmanians products like beef, wine, horticulture, seafood and dairy.
We are also looking forward to the TasInvest investment forum in Japan which will leverage off existing Japanese investments in Tasmania from companies like Lion Nathan Brewing and Shiratori Flour Mills.
The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to working collaboratively with local industries to directly engage with our trading partners in these countries which have rapidly growing economies and a middle-class that has an appetite for Tasmania’s premium products.
The trade mission will still leave on February 22 but return earlier given that China was the final leg.
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