The Australian government seeks to strengthen agricultural cooperation with Indonesia during its Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke, visit to the country starting Wednesday.
"I emphasize Australia's interest in access to the Indonesian market and our interest in collaboration on capacity-building initiatives across the quarantine, agriculture, fishing and forestry sectors," he said in a press release on Tuesday.
During his three-day visit, Burke will be accompanied by representatives of Australian primary industries including Meat and Livestock Australia, the Cattle Council of Australia, Australian Livestock Exporters Council, Australian Citrus Growers and the fishing industry.
"Australia has a strong agricultural trade relationship with Indonesia and we expect that trade to grow," he said.
According to the ministry records, Australia is the major supplier of wheat to Indonesia, exporting around 1.5 million tons in 2007. The neighboring country is also Indonesia's major supplier of live cattle, exporting over 520,000 head in 2007.
The minister also said that he planned to discuss joint efforts to curb illegal fishing activity to Australia's north and reduce illegal logging in Indonesia in his meetings with counterpart ministers and key business representatives. (dre)
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