Meat strengthens Egyptian ties

Tuesday, 28 September, 1999 - 22:00
TIES between the meat industry in WA and Egypt were strengthened by a recent visit from Egyptian delegates.

The delegation of veterinarians visited WA this month to tour local cattle export facilities and hold discussions on health and welfare issues.

The live cattle trade from WA to Egypt has expanded rapidly over the past three years and is currently worth $55 million per year.

Agriculture WA and the Department of Commerce and Trade’s Regional Trade Office in Bunbury are working towards developing the industry, with the view that it has has the potential to grow substantially.

In March, the State Government signed a memorandum of understanding with the Arab Republic of Egypt to further the relationship between the WA cattle industry and Egyptian meat industry, with the aim of becoming the preferred supplier in the negotiation of live cattle and meat contracts.

In addition, a group of Philippine cattle buyers have toured the north of the state, visiting the expanded Port Hedland cattleyards and wharf handling facilities at Wyndham and Broome.

These visits have been complemented by a trade tour of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore headed by Kevin Strapp of the Department of Commerce and Trade’s Bunbury Regional Trade Office.