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Oakey Beef Exports is developing new strategic business plans to drive chilled beef product growth in China.
The Darling Downs beef processor’s move comes after a new trade agreement between China and Australia was signed on Friday.
Oakey Beef’s general manager Pat Gleeson said the Japanese owned fresh meat company will now be taking a strategic approach in ensuring its growth is aligned with the new trade deal development.
“This is a great opportunity for our immediate beef business and will secure jobs for locals on Queensland’s Darling Downs, but it is also a great opportunity for regional cattle producers,” Mr Gleeson said.
Oakey Beef lost its ability to export chilled beef to China three years ago and since then Mr Gleeson has pushed for the company to regain access.
“Oakey Beef Exports is ready to go with our first beef consignment when a clear implementation timeline is established for the new deal and trade officially opens.
“This (trade deal) announcement will benefit the whole Australian beef industry”
The reduction in non-tariff barriers for exports was signed-off on Friday by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and the Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Li Keqiang.
The trade deal will remove some of the current technical barriers that have hampered Australia’s beef trade into the lucrative Chinese market and allow more chilled Australian beef into China.
“I recently met with Mr Turnbull and Senator James McGrath and they understand the importance of this access for the whole beef supply chain and I commend them both on this announcement,” Mr Gleeson said.
“I believe all Darling Downs livestock processing facilities will benefit from the new trade agreement between China and Australia.”
