The burgeoning Indian market is too big to ignore and presents an enticing opportunity for Australia’s food and fibre producers, an industry roundtable heard today.
Australia’s Agriculture Minister Bridget McKenzie said the Liberal and Nationals Government was focused on helping Australia build business-to-business relationships with partners in India to expand agribusiness trade.
“As the Agribusiness Sector Champion for the India Economic Strategy it’s exciting to have industry leaders with decades of experience working to formulate a strategy for closer economic relations with India,” Minister McKenzie said.
“There is no doubt that India is an agricultural power house in its own right and is projected to be the world’s third largest economy in the world by 2035 with 1.6 billion citizens.
“India’s sheer scale and shortfalls in their domestic production will provide significant opportunities for Australia’s premium products.
“The growing middle class in India will stimulate demand for fruits, vegetables, nuts and proteins like sheep meat, as well as value-added goods like wine and processed foods, as they look to source a more diverse diet.
“Having our business leaders come together to discuss the market is incredibly valuable as we look to promote our strong credentials – we’re counter seasonal providers, known internationally for our safe, clean and green produce, we’re close to India and we can export our know-how as well as our agricultural goods
“Today’s participants are exporters with experience of opening up new markets and they’re providing hard-headed advice about how business and Government can work together to expand Australia’s trade with India.
“Unlocking the opportunities presented by the Indian market requires long-term commitment and patience from both government as well as Australia’s agricultural industries.
“Our government is doing what we can to support industry efforts to improve trade and dialogue about trade with India.
“We’ve posted a second agricultural counsellor in April this year, we’ve been cooperating with India on training including for cold treatment options, and we’re working to improve Indian crop forecasting so Australian pulse farmers can make more informed decisions about what they plant each season.
“I plan to travel to India early next year to promote two way trade and to talk with my counterparts about ways we can reduce non-tariff barriers to trade so we’re all playing by the same rules.
“This Agribusiness Industry Roundtable is an important step in progressing our India Economic Strategy – which is a tangible tool to help the sector reach its $100 billion goal by 2030.”
