The InvestWest Agribusiness Alliance has been launched to attract investment in the State’s food production sector.
The Alliance, supported by the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA), is a non-profit network of companies, peak industry organisations, government agencies and higher learning institutions aimed at fostering relationships to co-ordinate investment in Western Australia.
The Alliance was launched in Perth by Agriculture and Food Minister Ken Baston.
DAFWA Director General Rob Delane said investment was essential for businesses in the sector to capitalise on growing food demand from Asia.
“We have an excellent opportunity to build on our reputation as producers of premium quality and safe food by generating new markets and partnerships that will provide long term benefits to both our customers and Western Australian businesses,” Mr Delane said.
“The Alliance will be about sharing investment knowledge, collectively promoting Western Australia and facilitating successful investment – in keeping with its vision of being ‘All Together Successful’.”
The Alliance will be supported by an experienced investment facilitator seconded from the department to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, to streamline support for investment opportunities.
“This latest partnership between the Department of Agriculture and Food and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry builds on the outstanding partnership already established between the organisations to support the Western Australian food industry sector,” Mr Delane said.
An additional agriculture specialist has been appointed to the State Government’s Trade Office in Shanghai to focus on investment facilitation.
WA has an export-based agriculture and food sector, with about 80 per cent of production sold to international markets.
Media contact: Jodie Thomson, media liaison +61 (0)8 9368 3937