September 7, 2016
Wine from South Burnett producer Clovely Estate was featured at a special Queensland Government networking event in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
The lunch, hosted by Agriculture Minister Leanne Donaldson, was designed to promote Queensland fruit and vegetables to potential buyers attending the huge Asia Fruit Logistica trade show.
Asia Fruit Logistica has attracted 650 exhibitors from 37 countries, and 9000 buyers from across the region including China, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, India, Japan and Thailand.
“Queensland’s proximity to Asian markets, a lower Australian dollar and counter-seasonal production offers our producers exceptional opportunities to increase exports,” Ms Donaldson said.
“Queensland producers are already exporting an abundance of primary commodities into Asia, particularly meat, sugar, grains and cotton.
“This trade show will allow Queensland producers to showcase a range of fruit and vegetable products to key international buyers to help boost Queensland’s export trade.
“I will be making it very clear that the government will do all it can to support export growth and take full advantage of the new opportunities that are opening up through advances in technology, increased airfreight capacity and the China-Australia free trade agreement.
“The new China-Australia Free Trade Agreement allows 95 per cent of Australian exports to enter China free of duty, opening up a market of 1.3 billion people.
“That’s a market too big to ignore if we want Queensland farmers to continue to benefit.
“That’s why I am here in Hong Kong today, and travelling on to Beijing later in the week.”
Sixty-five guests attended the lunch, including Hong Kong retailers, importers, distributors, investors, and food and wine writers.
