Businesses across the State are being encouraged to enter the annual Western Australian Export Awards.  The awards recognise businesses for the significant contribution they make to both the State and national economies.

WA businesses can enter 13 different award categories, including agribusiness, food and beverages; advanced technologies; international education and training; minerals, energy and related services; manufacturing and advanced materials; regional exporter; and small business.

This year's event recognises the extraordinary impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on WA businesses and their ability to continue trading.  WA businesses have adapted strategies and developed new international relationships to continue exporting goods and services to overseas markets.

In 2020, WA's exports were worth $187 billion, representing approximately 51 per cent of Australia's total merchandise exports.  The Western Australian Export Awards are coordinated by Invest and Trade Western Australia and managed by its program partner, the Export Council of Australia. 

Closing date for applications is Friday 6 August 2021.  More...  Source:  WA Acting Minister for State Development, Jobs and Trade  |  Photo:  DPIRD [In 2019, WA lobster exporter Geraldton Fishermen's Co-operative was a WA Export Awards winner, going on as a finalist in the Australian Export Awards.]

Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) managing director Anthony Williams has in his sights a goal to double the grains industry’s current $15 billion value by 2030. 

The GRDC is responsible for planning, investing in and overseeing research, development and extension (RD&E) for grains with the purpose of creating enduring profitability for Australian grain growers.

Mr Williams believes taking advantage of an increasing world population and understanding and strategically targeting export opportunities will play a major role in achieving this growth. 

But he also understands the importance of grain growers, agronomists and researchers maintaining a focus on step-change improvements in yield and returns, through areas such as reduced farm input costs, improved agronomic practices and better crop varieties, to drive the enduring profitability of the industry.  More...  Source and Photo: growAG

With Austrade rapidly scaling up its services to support Australian agri-exporters expand and diversify their markets as part of the Agribusiness Expansion Initiative, Western Australian agribusinesses are being encouraged to access these valuable services.

New South Wales distillery Headlands Distilling Co. turned to Austrade following securing its first export sale after responding to an unknown buyer's request to send product samples.  After tasting the distillery’s gin and vodka, the buyer – a distributor with connections in Singapore’s bar and restaurant industry – placed an order for 100 bottles.

Austrade supplied the company with vital tax, excise, customs, labelling and logistics information, ensuring it could price its products appropriately and meet import regulations.

"The huge advantage of working with Austrade is they have people on the ground in all the key markets who can speak with us and provide advice," Director Thomas Simnadis says. "Through one agency we have access to the world at our fingertips."  More...  Source:  Austrade  |  Photo:  Larry Teo / Unsplash

The first iteration of the detailed program for the World Fisheries Congress 2021 (WFC2021) is now available, featuring plenary and keynote addresses, presentations, workshops and events delivered in a hybrid online and in-person format from Adelaide in September this year.

The opening address at the Congress will be delivered by Ambassador Peter Thomson, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, in a role that drives global support for UN Sustainable Development Goal 14, to conserve and sustainably use the ocean’s resources.

WFC2021 Chair, Professor Gavin Begg, said at a time when we cannot be together in person, the Congress offers online delegates all over the world digital functionality to connect with Congress presenters, the capacity to explore the Congress’ exhibition, options for accessing program sessions on-demand or live, and engage with the global fisheries community through networking opportunities.

The program brings delegates access to the world’s leading research innovations, insights into new fisheries management approaches and key policies to support the future of our fisheries, he said. 

Earlybird ticket registration is available until 31 July 2021.  Source and Graphic:  WFC2021

The Leggo’s brand of Italian sauces, pestos and pastes are now a common sight on supermarket shelves across Asia.  In 2020, Austrade advisers suggested a new direction – India.

After a virtual meet-a-buyer session organised by Austrade, Leggo’s  – an iconic Australian food brand that is almost 100 years old – launched in India with e-commerce platform, Amazon India.  Now, sales are growing steadily on multiple platforms and in physical stores.

Austrade is helping Australian businesses expand into India through the Australia India Business Exchange (AIBX) program – including through the pandemic.

Contact Austrade online or call 13 28 78.  More...  |  Related:  Export markets - India  |  Source:  Austrade  |  Photo:  Sylwia Bartyzel / Unsplash

Do you run a small business?  Do you have a story on trade, COVID-19 and resilience? 

If so, this is a reminder that the World Trade Organisation (WTO) wants to hear from you.  Your story must be submitted by this coming Monday 19 July 2021. 

You could be featured in a WTO podcast and in the WTO Public Forum scheduled to take place in Geneva and online from 28 to 30 September 2021.  Source and Photo/Graphic:  WTO