Signing of trade agreement with Jordan

3/8/93

Trading relations between Western Australia and Jordan have been boosted by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.

The beneficial agreement was the result of last month's visit by Primary Industry Minister Monty House to further the State's long term relationship with Jordan.

It was signed with the Minister for Industry and Trade, Dr Bassam Al Saket, after Mr House had high level discussions with the Prime Minister of Jordan, His Excellency Adel-Salam El-Majaly.

Mr House predicted the Memorandum of Understanding would be the catalyst for new trade opportunities between WA and Jordan.

"During my discussions with the Jordanian Ministers and officials, it was agreed there was a need to increase and diversify the exchange of goods, particularly for meat, livestock potash and rock phosphate," Mr House said.

Last year WA exported 180,000 live sheep to Jordan complying with their strict quality and health specifications.

"It is vital we continue to adhere to these requirements as this year an estimated 500,000 head will be shipped from WA, which will be worth about $18 million," Mr House said.

"I expressed my concern to the Jordanian Minister for Supply that due to the quality of WA sheepmeat, a higher price should be expected.

"After negotiations with the Minister, he agreed to my request that in future WA livesheep and lambs would receive greater recognition of their quality and consequently a higher price.

"This was a significant step and highlighted the large opportunity to increase trade with Jordan for meat and livestock due to the good relationship between the two countries."

Mr House added Jordan had large reserves of phosphate and potash of which WA farmers were using 80,000 tonnes a year.

"I assured the Jordanian Ministers I would continue to try and foster this trade along with other opportunities in the exchange of technical advice in the fields of water conservation, dry land farming and other agriculture-related industries."

The Memorandum of Understanding also recognised the development and promotion of agricultural-based industries between WA and Jordan, and identifying and engaging in projects which contribute to the economic development and political relationships between the two countries.

Media contact: Will Henwood 222 9595