Farmers’ lobby highlights trade ties with Indonesia and Brunei

STRONG and respectful regional relationships with Southeast Asian countries are critical to Australian agricultural exporters, the National Farmers Federation (NFF) says.

NFF interim chief executive Su McCluskey is this week taking part in the Food Security Mission to Indonesia and Brunei, led by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade).

Ms McCluskey said strong and respectful regional relationships with countries such as Indonesia and Brunei were vital.

“For decades, Australian agriculture has invested heavily in building and maintaining these partnerships. Not only is it the right thing to do for regional security it underpins shared goals in trade, food security and biosecurity,” Ms McCluskey said.

“Over the past five years, Australian agricultural exports to Southeast Asia have almost doubled, with annual trade often surpassing $15 billion. Around a quarter of all Australian agricultural exports now go to the region.”

Ms McCluskey said the bilateral relationships with Indonesia and Brunei continued to strengthen.

“Indonesian and Australian agriculture are critical partners, with two-way trade in agricultural, fisheries and forestry products over $5.5 billion annually. Indonesia is Australia’s fifth largest export destination.”

She also noted the value of trade with Brunei which, despite being much smaller than Indonesia, was an important market for red meat and dairy.

“These relationships not only diversify Australian agri-exports they also support the food security ambitions of our regional neighbours,” Ms McCluskey said.

Ms McCluskey said while these issues were important, ultimately it was the people-to-people connections that truly underpinned the goodwill between nations.

“The NFF, along with our members in the red meat, live export, grains, horticulture and other sectors, regularly visit or host delegations to show the value we place on these relationships,” she said.

The NFF noted recent examples include AgForce and Cattle Australia hosting the Indonesian Ambassador, Dr Siswo Pramono, on cattle properties in western Queensland, and the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association continuing its program for Indonesian students to experience the Australian pastoral industry.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last year appointed Australian business leader Dr Nur Rahman as a Business Champion to advance Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 with Brunei.

“These are some examples that build on a swath of other programs and investments delivered through the sector’s Rural Research and Development Corporations,” Ms McCluskey said.

Demand for Australian food and agricultural products is predicted to remain strong, as highlighted in Nicholas Moore AO’s report Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

“This growth supports trade opportunities for Australian businesses while contributing to regional food security. The Moore report underscores the strong potential for Australia and its Southeast Asian partners to continue building on this success.

“The NFF recognises the need for industry and Government to work hand-in-hand to deepen ties in the region and this mission is an excellent opportunity to do just that.”