The International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM) is a temporary, targeted, emergency support measure put in place by the Australian Government to keep global air links open in response to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This will be the last opportunity for exporters, producers and agribusinesses to hear the latest airfreight and supply chain news directly from the team before the program ends.

Attendees are encouraged to participate in the live Q&A by submitting questions during the registration process or during the briefing.

IFAM Meat Briefing
23 June 2022, 8–9am AWST

IFAM Horticulture Briefing
23 June 2022, 11am–12pm AWST

IFAM Seafood Briefing
23 June 2022, 12–1pm AWST

IFAM Dairy Briefing
23 June 2022, 2–2.30pm AWST

Hear updates on the freight environment, guidance for adaption and perspectives from industry. Source and Graphic: IFAM / Austrade

Australian seafood exporters have reeled in fresh deals in the European Union after attending Conxemar, Europe’s largest seafood trade show, according to Austrade.

Clean Seas secured valuable new business with major importers for its sustainably farmed Gulf Spencer Kingfish. Yumbah Aquaculture inked a new deal for its greenlip abalone with one of France’s premium seafood importers. Sea Harvest’s wild-caught Shark Bay prawns are also on their way to new retailers in Europe.

Trade shows such as Conxemar can help exporters increase their profile and meet potential buyers. Austrade can represent businesses that cannot attend in person. At Conxemar, the agency hosted an Australia stand where staff engaged with buyers and passed on trade enquiries to exporters.

Australia has exported seafood to Europe since the early 20th century. Exports have ebbed and flowed over the years. Many exporters have focused on North Asia and Southeast Asia over the past decade. Now, their attention is once again on Europe as they seek to expand and diversify their markets.

"Australian seafood is well regarded in Europe,’"says Shane McHugh, Global Engagement Manager, Austrade. "Buyers know they are getting high-quality products from sustainably managed fisheries. Australian exporters are known for their reliability and professional service. Our familiar, risk-free trading terms also provide a level of comfort." More... Source: Austrade | Photo: AFMA

All Australian businesses are being advised to reserve their .au equivalent domain name before 20 September 2022.

It is important for WA businesses to change their domain name to be simplified, as well as to prevent fraudulent cyber activities by cybercriminals.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre recommends that businesses with existing domain names register their .au equivalents before they become available to the general public after 20 September 2022. More... Source ACSC | Photo: Christian Wiediger / Unsplash

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has released a data visualisation tool that provides users with quick, at-a-glance information on trade and tariff data. The WTO Stats Dashboard complements the WTO Stats Portal with graphical presentations of merchandise trade data, trade in commercial services data, and market access data.

Data sets available on the WTO Stats Portal are presented visually in the new tool via three distinct dashboards. The Merchandise Trade Dashboard provides a global overview of merchandise trade values via a global map, as well as regional breakdown and trends over time that can be explored by reporting economy and time period. 

The Commercial Services Trade Dashboard presents published data on trade in commercial services by sector. Information on values and shares is presented with easy-to-follow colour coding. The Market Access Dashboard allows users to quickly check the latest MFN tariffs applied by WTO members and legal maximum. Source and Photo: WTO

The COVID-19 pandemic has fast-forwarded digital development and made it clear that the digital future is here, now, according to the World Bank.

Based on data published in March, digital usage during the pandemic surged to 5 billion users worldwide, while 3 billion still remain offline, 96% of whom live in developing countries.  Digital inclusion opens endless opportunities, but the divides are still stark as the poor, rural populations and women fall behind.  In South Asia, women are 51% less likely to use mobile internet than men.

The World Bank says if we don’t take urgent, co-ordinated action, the widening gaps across affordable access, skills and trust can undermine the potential for an inclusive recovery. More... Source: World Bank / El País | Photo: Christin Hume / Unsplash