With the visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Australia this week, there has been increased optimism in several sectors of our export industry. An official “Statement on joint outcomes of the Australia-China Annual Leaders’ Meeting” was posted on the Australian Prime Minister’s website on Monday (17 June 2024).
According to the statement, the two sides attached importance to cooperation under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP). The leaders witnessed the signature of a number of MOUs, including “Further Enhancing the Implementation of China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.”
Item 8 on the statement reads:
“Bilateral trade, including through the leaders’ participation in the China-Australia CEO Roundtable meeting in Perth on 18 June; welcoming the implementation of the Authorised Economic Operator Mutual Recognition Arrangement; progressing the implementation of the RCEP; and welcoming the signature of MOUs on standards, measurement, intellectual property, competition and food safety.”
While the wine industry celebrates the positive trend in the bilateral relationship, they have acknowledged that we can no longer depend solely on exports to one country.
Australia has assumed the role of Chair of the World Wine Trade Group (WWTG), a group that brings together government and industry representatives to simplify international wine trade. The WWTG supports trade in wine through information sharing, discussion and coordination on regulatory issues in wine markets, and joint actions for the removal of trade barriers.
Deputy Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Policy Matt Lowe announced that Australia’s term as Chair of the WWTG began on 1 June 2024. “Opening up more trade opportunities for our wine producers will contribute to overcoming the current oversupply of wine in Australia and support industry to grow towards a $100 billion agriculture, fisheries and forestry industry by 2030.”
Australia will welcome international delegations to Adelaide for the WWTG Annual Meeting in October. WWTG members are: Australia, Argentina, Canada, Chile, Georgia, New Zealand, South Africa, United States of America and Uruguay.
The National Agricultural Traceability Grants Program
A national program designed to build trust in Australian agricultural exports to Southeast Asia has awarded 11 new grants totalling $3.9 million to industries and institutions on the cutting edge of supply chain traceability.
Deputy Secretary of Agricultural Trade and Regulation Group, Tina Hutchison, said the initiative aimed to support collaborative projects that build on the National Agricultural Traceability Strategy.
“Grants through the Building Trust in Australian Agricultural Traceability and Credentials program are designed to build credibility and establish robust traceability credentials for Australian agriculture in Southeast Asia,” Ms Hutchison said.
Each organisation awarded a grant is working towards achieving traceability goals and establishing mutually prosperous relationships with our international consumers.
“These new grants will assist the industry to establish comprehensive traceability systems throughout Southeast Asia, reinforcing Australia’s commitment to the highest standards of agricultural production and export,” said Ms Hutchison.
The institutions that have been selected for the grant round and their winning projects include:
- Australian Grape and Wine Incorporated: ‘Tracing Carbon Emissions in an International Wine Industry Value Chain between Australia and Singapore.’
- Dairy Australia Limited: ‘Leveraging Australian Dairy Sustainability Credentials to Influence Trade of Dairy Products in Southeast Asia.’
- Australian Table Grape Association: ‘Australian Table Grapes Southeast Asia Export Traceability – B2C & B2B Engagement Platform.’
- Meat and Livestock Australia Limited: ‘Showcasing Australian Red Meat Integrity Systems and Credentials in Southeast Asia.’
See our recent related article China Lifts Tariffs on Our Wine.
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