Agricultural Traceability Roundtable (Los Angeles, US)

What is the cost of doing nothing?

Last week, we hosted a lively roundtable on agricultural traceability in Los Angeles, uniting industry leaders from Australia and the US across sectors like red meat, seafood, citrus, fashion, and traceability tech.

Traceability- the ability to track and trace products- plays a crucial role in ensuring food safety and enhancing brand storytelling. It boosts supply chain transparency and efficiency, helps businesses meet regulatory requirements, builds consumer trust, and addresses sustainability challenges.

It became evident during the discussions that Australia’s enhanced traceability systems have helped Australian exporters be more competitive in the US market, where strict standards are highly valued.

Doing nothing on traceability, however, could mean losing market share, and diminishing the Australian brand.

The discussion highlighted that:

• Mapping of and engagement with stakeholders are crucial first steps in establishing good traceability systems and maybe a basis for cost-sharing efforts
• The narrative must focus on how traceability enhances supply chain efficiency and offers longer-term benefits to encourage adoption, especially in sectors that may be slower to adopt these systems without government pressure
• Interoperability remains a challenge, which if addressed could help reduce costs, and help better manage risks, but will require coordinated effort among supply chain partners
• ESG initiatives are being pursued, but traceability should be incorporated in these efforts to ensure they are meaningful and monetised by producers
• Effective data management can identify operational efficiencies and enhance supply chain performance, leading to cost savings and increased productivity
• Leveraging technology to streamline data processes will be vital in achieving these outcomes
• Ongoing education and advocacy are key to showcase traceability’s value in brand storytelling, consumer trust, and market access while encouraging clear, standardised regulations that foster compliance and growth

We’re excited to continue discussions with participants and industry leaders on advancing traceability systems between Australia and the US.

Thank you to Matthew Worrell, Minister-Counsellor for Agriculture in Washington, for his opening remarks, and to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for creating this opportunity to engage with key trading partners on agricultural traceability.

Thank you to the Meat Import Council of America (MICA) for partnering with us on this initiative.

Premier’s NSW Export Awards Gala Ceremony 2024

Premier’s NSW Export Awards Gala Ceremony 2024 – A Night to Remember!

400+ guests, 78 finalists, 18 winners—one extraordinary night! The 2024 Premier’s NSW Export Awards have officially concluded for another year.

On Friday, 11th October, we proudly hosted the 62nd Premier’s NSW Export Awards Gala Ceremony at Sydney Town Hall. It was an unforgettable evening of excitement, recognition, and celebration, honouring the excellence of NSW’s export community.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and finalists, whose remarkable contributions to the global economy were celebrated on this prestigious stage. Your achievements reflect the innovation and resilience of NSW exporters.

🏆 Check out the full list of winners here: https://lnkd.in/gqMUBm7m

A special thank you to our esteemed presenters for announcing winners across 18 categories, including the coveted NSW Exporter of the Year award.

We were also honoured to have NSW Minister for Industry and Trade, The Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong MP, join us in recognising the outstanding exporters in attendance.

Our deepest gratitude goes to our valued partners: Investment NSW, DHL Express, Export Finance Australia, BDO, Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Xe.com. Your support made this event possible.

📸 View the highlights of this incredible night celebrating excellence in export through the media link below.
https://lnkd.in/gjvP9WSs

Thank you once again to everyone who contributed to making this night so memorable. We look forward to celebrating with you again in the future!

APEC: Growing Indigenous Businesses Through Trade (Phase 3) – Mexico

Australia strengthens bond with Mexican Indigenous communities.

In a workshop held in Mexico City last week, Arnold Jorge and Angela Wright from the Export Council of Australia and Australian First Nations representative, Sharon Brindley from Jala Jala Treats, are proud to have engaged with Mexican Indigenous entrepreneurs on the opportunities from global trade.

The two-day workshop brought together Indigenous businesses from various states of Mexico representing products such as traditional clothing, jewellery and dolls, coffee, honey, natural salts, wine and spirits. Most of the participants were women entrepreneurs.

The dialogue highlighted:

• how exports could help increase incomes for their (Indigenous) communities, making new connections and learning innovative practices, as well as promoting their culture around the world
• that export can be complex and come with substantial risks, and therefore research and ongoing capacity building is essential
• the practical aspects of trade, including the application of AI to market research, why HS codes and tariff duties matter, that knowing Incoterms (or International Commercial Terms) is part of the language of doing business, and that alternative business models can enhance revenue sources
• the value of international marketing, such as segmenting customers and how to engage them, and adopting products to the market
• how Indigenous women succeeded despite the significant challenges and societal constraints through determination and entrepreneurship.

We very much appreciated opening remarks from Mexico’s Under Secretary of Economy for Foreign Trade, Mr Alejandro Encinas, and the Australian Ambassador, Ms Rachel Moseley, who also hosted a networking event for the workshop participants. We wish to thank all of our workshop guest speakers, including from Bancomext (a financial institution), SEPOMEX (Mexico’s postal service), IMPI (agency for intellectual property protection), Economia officials (including experts in trade agreements), and INPI (agency providing Indigenous support). We also recognise the contribution of Perla Buenrostro Rodríguez of Bolder Group in connecting with candidates for this initiative.

We thank the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for funding this project under the auspices of APEC – Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and for the invaluable support received from the Mexico’s Secretariat of Economy, especially Gabriela Mendez. Thank you also to Penny Toledo.

We look forward to future commercial collaboration between Australian and Mexican Indigenous businesses, including our participants:

Abelardo Peña Tinoco; Angélica Cosio – Dueña y Fundadora de Maxa kwaxi, artista inhata; Diana Pérez soriano; Demetria Reyes; Elfego López Peña; Erika Tezmol Ramirez; Industria Silvicola; Industria Silvícola Zona Maya; LAURA HERNANDEZ; Lucero Díaz García; Mario Hernández; Nalyn Chablé; Ollin Quetza AC Fundación Rocio Aslida Norzagaray Sandoval; Uriel Vasquez.

NSW Export Award Event – ASEAN Focus – Special guest: Mr. Andrew Parker

Last Friday, the Export Council of Australia hosted a roundtable luncheon, featuring our special guest, NSW Government’s Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner for ASEAN – Mr. Andrew Parker who was visiting Sydney for the Australia-ASEAN Business Forum at the ICC Sydney.

The discussion centred around the growing significance of ASEAN markets for Australian exporters, highlighting both opportunities and challenges.

Mr. Parker emphasised that the ASEAN countries are key markets for Australian exporters, especially in sectors such as healthcare, education, technology, and food & beverage.

However, navigating these markets is not without its complexities, including understanding local regulations, cultural differences, and specific product requirements. These factors are crucial for success in these diverse and dynamic markets.

Exporters at the event also noted the strong demand for high and premium-quality Australian products in ASEAN countries. While the market potential is immense, they acknowledged the importance of understanding local preferences and societal norms to ensure successful market entry.

To navigate these complexities, Mr. Parker advised leveraging local expertise, finding reliable local partners, and thoroughly understanding the market landscape before expansion.

We would like to give a special thanks to:
Mr. Andrew Parker – Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner for ASEAN (Investment NSW)
Mr. Warwick Scherf – Director Export & Exports Programs (Investment NSW)

We very much appreciate the business representatives that joined, and invite your ongoing involvement in ECA activities:

Ayushi Dahiya, Eric LIU, Ferdy Bong, George Houssos, Jacqueline Hutton, Kath McCollim, Linda Stanojevic, Louie Coorey, Mike Foster, Ram Iyer, Samiul Karim, Chandra Sekhar M., Shelly Bengiat, Steve Solanki, Steven Hudson, Su Zhang, Tim Mitchell, Vincent Candrawinata, Dianne Tipping, My Nguyen

NSW Export Award Event – ASEAN Focus – Laos, Thailand, Vietnam

Being part of a supportive global trading community matters now more than ever.

As part of the NSW Premier’s Export Awards, the Export Council of Australia has been hosting a series of small-group luncheons. A key aim has been our desire to continue to celebrate exporter’s hard work and achievements.

We are so glad to learn that participants have enjoyed these luncheons. They told us that they especially valued the new connections made, which some leading immediately to commercial partnerships and exports to new markets.

With our principal partner, Investment NSW, last week at the Four Seasons hotel in Sydney, we held another such event, with special guests from the diplomatic missions of Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. Their presence reflected our theme this year on ASEAN.

They highlighted the opportunities for growth in two-way trade and investment with Australia, including in industries such as green energy and tech, food and beverage, healthcare, and education.

Our guest exporters shared extraordinary stories of their journeys, including:

• How a health treatment for their grandmother became a foundation for a growing international business
• That bringing Australian top-level education to the modest section of communities in partner countries can be profitable
• Even in an extremely competitive segment, a fintech start-up can grow market share quickly
• A reminder that playing the long game means resilience and a remarkable bounce-back from a severe demand downturn during Covid
• A well-recognised and established Australian brand can still be a new player on global markets.

These gatherings have reminded us of how important it is to engage regularly with peers – not just in the context of establishing new contacts, but in terms of meaningful interchange of views and ideas. Of sharing insights and giving back. It is about being part of a community. We enjoyed it so much, we intend to organise more.

We send our special thanks to:

• Mr. Nguyen Phu Hoa – Trade Commissioner of Viet Nam to Australia
• Ms. Hataya KHUSAKUL – Consul General of Royal Thai Consulate-General
• Mr. Kanya Khammoungkhoun – Minister Counselor, Deputy Chief of mission of Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
• Ms. Tania Panagoda – Team leader for the ASEAN NSW government
• Mr. Michael Reznikov – State Director of Export Finance Australia (EFA)
• Mr. Ben Rose – Senior Corporate FX Specialist of Xe.com

We very much appreciate the business representatives that joined, and invite your ongoing involvement in ECA activities:

Vincent Candrawinata, Cindy Hurley Leister, Craig Shepherd, Christian Young, Cynthia Dearin GAICD, Leon Skaliotis, Jacqueline Hutton, Scott Nolan, Danko Tran (Danko CockatooAdventures), Christine VU, Allan Nguyen, Kala Philip (MAICD, GAICD), Steven Hudson, Ferdy Bong, Shelly Bengiat, Ayushi, Alison. L., Dianne Tipping, Arnold Jorge, My Nguyen.

NSW Export Award Event – Indigenous Exporters

Australian First Nations entrepreneurs are pursuing global markets with grit and ingenuity.

And with the right support can excel to new heights.

This was the conclusion at a roundtable discussion on the challenges and opportunities of exporting.

Supply Nation and Export Council of Australia were proud to have hosted this dialogue, which included Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses, and government agencies.

Notable issues raised included:

• Lack of resources and expertise within firms, including staff and finance, are constraining growth
• There are many government and private sector assistance programs, but awareness of them needs improvement, and gaps remain in required services
• There may be value in developing a common shopfront or a general store (brick-and-mortar and online) for Indigenous products
• Successful non-Indigenous exporters are willing to partner with Indigenous businesses to facilitate their international sales
• First Nations businesses should participate in export awards to build connections and profile
• Australia’s global brand should be underpinned by First Nations stories and further promoted
• Exporting is a means for Indigenous businesses to achieve sustained growth.

The discussion culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Supply Nation and Export Council of Australia.  It signals the commitment of both parties to assisting Indigenous businesses to succeed in global trade.

We thank all participants of the forum and look forward to your continued engagement and collaboration.

Charys Caldarella; Chris Rees FAICD; Connie Jarrett; Corey Grech; David Vu; Jenny Khan; Jeff Cottee; Julie Okely; Kate Russell; Krystal Doyle; Maryanne Jarrett; Monika Goyal; Nicoline van Cann; Nicole Steinweg; Shane Rizkallah; Trudy Hart; Arnold Jorge; Dianne Tipping; Stefanie Harter; Angela Wright; My Nguyen

NSW Export Award Event – ASEAN Focus – Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia

Australian exporters continue to be positive about the prospects of opportunities in South-East Asia.

In a roundtable discussion last week, exporters conveyed to us (Export Council of Australia) that they are looking to expand their operations in South-East Asian markets, as part of their diversification strategies.

They view South-East Asian consumers and businesses as increasing in wealth and sophistication, including being digitally savvy in support of e-commerce and digital trade.

However, doing business in the region has their challenges, due to differences in culture, industry structure, and regulations.  So, exporters emphasised the importance of prior research and visiting the markets.

Other issues raised during the discussion, included the need for suitable trade finance, support for export marketing investments, and building on Australia’s brand.

We would like to give a special thanks the participation of:

• Ms. Putpisey Cheam – Trade attaché of the Royal Embassy of Cambodia
• Ms. Noraisyah Nordin – Director/ Consul-Investment of Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)
• Ms. Tania Panagoda – Team leader for the ASEAN NSW government (Investment NSW)
• Mr. Michael Reznikov – State Director of Export Finance Australia (EFA)

We appreciate our friends who participated in the discussion, and encourage ongoing engagement with you on all matters of global trade.

Yoshinori Sakuno; David Aldridge; Marisa Mastroianni; Peter Janu; James F.; Aditya Jhunjhunwala ; Christian Young; Sharon Lee; Mark Subaih; Dean Feng; Yvette Knapp; Vincent Candrawinata; Brian Young; Eric LIU; Alex Fan; Eduardo Yudowski; Hung Nguyen; Meng Zhang; John Adams; Dianne Tipping; Zoe Neilsen; My Nguyen.

Agricultural Traceability Roundtable (Amsterdam, Netherlands, Brussels, Belgium)

Are there opportunities for future collaboration and constructive dialogue on agricultural trade between Australia and the European Union?

Yes, based on in-person talks between Australian business representatives and their European counterparts in Amsterdam and Brussels.

Export Council of Australia, Australia’s Minister-Counsellor (Agriculture) in Brussels, and Australian industry representatives, including from the grains, cattle and wool industries, met recently with European private sector and EC officials.

The roundtable discussions focussed on how traceability could facilitate trade of agricultural products (specifically food and fibre).

Australia highlighted our ongoing enhancement of our traceability systems to support the quality, safety and environmental claims in our agricultural exports.

We also noted that while such efforts can help meet EU regulations, we looked to the EU to ensure these standards do not inadvertently act to impede trade.

The European response was encouraging.  ECA officials helpfully explained the administrative processes involved in meeting regulations such as the EU General Food Law, Life Cycle Assessment and Product Environmental Footprint, Novel Food Regulation, Organic Certification, and Geographical Indications.

Both European private and public sector contacts noted that there are ways to navigate the regulatory landscape, and are willing to explore ways to assist Australia improve its understanding and managing of the EU’s administrative processes.

We look forward to building on this engagement, especially through the mechanism of agricultural traceability.  We thank our Australian and European friends involved in the agricultural traceability discussions.

Peter Creaser; Wim Verstraaten; Nicolas Guth; Rafael Perez Berbejal; Monika Turek; Elizabeth Guttenstein; Mauro CORDELLA; Knut Ruetters; Antonia Loncar; Matthew East; Dolores N.; Mark Scott; Denni Francisco; Olivier DUGARDYN; Esra Zorer; Lorna James; Stefanie Behrendt; Jacob Davidson; Katelyn Lubcke; Emma Boughen; Barry Large; Robin Cornelius; Tony Tonnaer; Tiago Torrin Itoh Viergever; Olexander Horin; Arnold Jorge; Stefanie Harter