The vegetables sector is pleased with the trade agreement with Indonesia

AUSVEG, the association of Australian producers of vegetables and potatoes, welcomes the finalization of the Australia-Indonesia Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA), saying the agreement will help producers of Australian vegetables wishing to export to this potentially lucrative market.

 

 

 

This agreement is expected to increase bilateral trade between the two countries and provide opportunities for Australian exporters of fresh vegetables. In FY 2017/18, exports of Australian vegetables to Indonesia were valued at AUD 3.7 million (US $ 2.6 million), with potatoes being the main product, accounting for nearly half of this total.

 

 

 

Given the growing population of Indonesia and the proximity of Australia, this market has great potential for Australian producers to boost their exports of fresh vegetables.

 

 

 

"Trade agreements with neighboring countries such as the AI-CEPA help to give our industry the assurance that it can continue to thrive by developing export markets, which helps to ensure the profitability and competitiveness of the Australian vegetable industry, "said James Whiteside, CEO of AUSVEG.

 

 

 

The Australian vegetable industry is seeking to increase the value of its exports to AUD 315 million (US $ 227 million) per year by 2020, a 40% increase over 2016.