Seminar to be held in Perth for pork producers on export prospects

8/2/99

Primary Industry Minister Monty House says understanding the requirements of individual overseas markets would assist pork producers and processors to be internationally competitive.

He said that as a consequence of Focus Taiwan, during which the Minister and West Australian Pork Producers visited Taiwan last year, a seminar would be held in Perth on February 26 for members of the pork industry to discuss export market requirements and opportunities in Japan, Taiwan and Korea.

"Western Australia is well placed to supply pork to the new markets of Japan, Taiwan and Korea," Mr House said.

"Our geographical proximity to these markets and our efficient production makes us a competitive supplier and provides a perfect location for investment in the industry.

"International competition for the Japanese market has intensified after its main supplier Taiwan had an outbreak of foot and mouth disease."

Mr House said increasing WA pork exports was essential to the future of the industry and developing export markets in Japan, Taiwan and Korea was a step in the right direction.

"At the seminar, experts from Japan, Korea and Taiwan will discuss local market conditions, the importation and marketing issues of pork and opportunities for developing exports to these markets," he said.

The Minister said the seminar would be sponsored by Agriculture WA, Austrade, the Department of Commerce and Trade and Supermarket to Asia.

The seminar would commence at 1:30pm on February 26 at Burswood International Resort. Bookings could be made through Natalie Najman at Agriculture WA on (08) 9322 7141 until February 19.

Media contact: Julie Cole (08) 9481 2044