WA agricultural produce will be promoted at an Austrade Trade Fair in Egypt next week

20/10/99
Western Australian agricultural produce will be promoted at an Austrade Trade Fair in Egypt next week in a bid to increase exports to the State's fifth biggest market for food and fisheries industries.
Primary Industry Minister Monty House said Egypt imported 51 per cent of Western Australia's live cattle and was also a large market for cereals and cheese.
"The trade fair will help to improve trade relationships between Western Australia and provide an opportunity to promote Western Australia as an exporter of quality products," Mr House said.
"Agriculture WA will also encourage the exchange of scientific knowledge and personnel and position AGWEST as a supplier of quality scientific support to Egypt."
AGWEST International Manager Terry Burnage will travel to Cairo with Agriculture WA veterinary officers Bob Nickels and Richard Norris to specifically promote live cattle exports at the trade fair.
"The visit will reciprocate a recent visit by three senior Egyptian vets to learn more about WA's live cattle industry. Our staff will make a presentation at the trade fair promoting the State's cattle and quarantine procedures," Mr House said.
A handling program to improve the capacity of Egyptian vets to handle WA cattle and the possibility of further technical exchanges would be negotiated.
Mr House said the future participation of AGWEST scientists in agricultural development projects, such as using the Nile as a source for flood irrigation, would also be discussed during the visit.
Media contact: Julie Cole 9481 2044