FOUR Austrade trade commissioners are visiting WA in a bid to encourage Western Australia’s small to medium enterprises to target emerging markets in South Asia and South-East Asia.
The trade representatives – from Indonesia, Thailand, Bangkok and India – will be in WA until November 21 meeting with regional businesses in Bunbury, Margaret River, Geraldton and Albany, and providing details on how to access these markets.
In a recent media release, Austrade senior trade commissioner for the Philippines, Alan Morrell, said food and food-related products remained in strong demand across the countries.
“The recent finalisation of negotiations on an Australia-Thailand Free Trade Agreement is opening opportunities in several areas and driving demand for processed food products,” he said.
“Indonesia is seeing a return to growth, creating new opportunities across the retail sector.
“South Asia also has many buoyant sectors and Austrade deals with several companies in India prepared to pay cash up-front for products and consumer goods in the range of $5,000 to $15,000.”
Wine was another product that presented market opportunities, Mr Morrell said.
“Our challenge is to find companies who can supply wine that is price sensitive, and which the markets are demanding,” he said.
“These markets are characterised by burgeoning populations that are swelling the numbers of consumers who can afford products made in WA.
“It’s true these countries present challenges, with less stable political environments and lower levels of transparency, but with the right approach they can be valuable sources of profitable sales.
“Austrade has in excess of 180 real business opportunities in South and South-East Asia. We’re looking for Western Australian companies to match the opportunities we see on the ground.”