A high-powered taskforce has been established in the Australian state of Victoria, aimed at positioning its horticultural industries as a “food bowl” for Asia, according to media reports.
Members of the taskforce will call on their political and business links in Asia to increase export opportunities in the region for the state’s producers.
“I want us to roll our sleeves up and get more involved (in the market access process),” Victorian agriculture minister Peter Walsh told The Australian.
Working groups, representing each industry under the agricultural banner, will report to the taskforce, who will then work with government officials to improve market access plans.
Victorian premier Denis Napthine will chair the taskforce, which will be made up of leaders from all sectors of the state’s food supply chain, including Visy Industries executive chairman Anthony Pratt, Costa Group Australia chairman Frank Costa, and former Australian consul-general in Guangzhou Grant Dooley.
The taskforce’s formation follows the Victorian Government’s first Super Trade Mission to South-East Asia last week.
Representatives from close to 85 of the state’s food and beverage companies travelled as part of the delegation, visiting Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.
Victoria will also host some of Asia’s most influential political and business leaders next year, with the Boao Forum for Asia conference being held in Melbourne.
