Address to the China International Import Expo

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It is a pleasure to be here today with Assistant Minister Thistlethwaite, the Tasmanian Premier, and the Secretary of my Department, at the China International Import Expo and to officially open the Team Australia Pavilion. 

It’s impressive to see so many Australian businesses represented here today under the Team Australia banner. 

I would like to acknowledge the commitment shown by exhibitors in travelling to Shanghai to showcase Australian products, services and innovation.  

China is an important market for many Australian industries and sectors, and events such as this provide valuable opportunities to build commercial relationships and explore new business opportunities. 

I would also like to thank Austrade and its partners for bringing together such a strong Australian presence at this year’s Expo. 

I understand this is the biggest showcase of Australia at this expo to date, and I look forward to that growing further. 

As Australia’s Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, I am particularly pleased to see so many businesses showcasing the quality and diversity of Australian food, fibre and agricultural products. 

Australia offers high-quality, reliable agriculture products to the world, and today’s display is a testament to that output. 

And one of the best parts of my job is promoting this work on the international stage, because our Government will always back our farmers, producers and exporters. 

China remains Australia’s largest agricultural export market worth approximately $20 billion a year. 

The success of this relationship is built on the investment Australian businesses make in developing commercial partnerships, understanding their customers and maintaining a presence in market. 

Events such as the China International Import Expo play an important role in supporting those connections and creating new opportunities for Australian exporters. 

Looking around the Pavilion today and seeing so many Australian businesses showcasing their products and innovation to the world makes me incredibly proud to be Australian.  

I wish all exhibitors a successful Expo and look forward to seeing the Team Australia Pavilion in action. 

It is now my pleasure to officially open the Team Australian Pavilion.