WA's cattle export industry could benefit from strengthened ties with Egypt

22/9/99
A strengthening of ties between the meat industry in Western Australia and Egypt could bring significant benefits for the State's cattle export industry.
Primary Industry Minister Monty House said a delegation of Egyptian veterinarians had visited Western Australia this month to tour local export facilities and hold discussions on health and welfare issues.
Agriculture WA and the Department of Commerce and Trade's Regional Trade Office in Bunbury are working jointly to proactively develop the industry.
The delegation visited laboratory facilities, the Midland saleyards, beef cattle properties, feedlots, processing works and retail outlets.
Mr House said the live cattle trade from Western Australia to Egypt had expanded rapidly over the past three years and was currently valued at $55 million with the potential to increase substantially.
The Minister signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Western Australian Government in March this year.
"The aim of this memorandum is to further strengthen the emerging linkages between our cattle industry and the Egyptian meat industry," Mr House said.
"We are working hard to develop a strong relationship with our Egyptian customers and this visit is all about sharing information and building trust."
Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan said that in addition to the visit by the Egyptian veterinarians, a group of influential Philippine cattle buyers would tour the north of the State, visiting wharf handling facilities at Broome, Wyndham and the expanded Port Hedland Cattle Yards.
"These visits are combined with a trade tour to Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia led by Kevin Strapp of the department's Bunbury Regional Trade Office," Mr Cowan said.
Mr House said that it was important for the Western Australian cattle industry to be seen as the preferred supplier when live cattle and meat contracts were being negotiated in the future and these initiatives were a positive step in building a good relationship with our buyers.
Media contacts: Monty House's office Julie Cole 9481 2044
Hendy Cowan's office Peter Jackson 9222 8788