Prime Minister, Minister for Agriculture
Bogor, Indonesia
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono have announced during the annual Australia-Indonesia Leaders’ Meeting in Bogor the establishment of an Indonesia-Australia Red Meat and Cattle Forum.
The Prime Minister also announced today a $60 million funding package, to be provided over 10 years, for increasing agricultural cooperation and boosting investment in the red meat agribusiness sector in Indonesia.
The Forum will comprise a broad range of representatives from the beef and cattle industry, including well recognised and established industry figures and senior government officials.
The Forum will enhance engagement between the Australian and Indonesian beef industries and the governments of both countries. It will also improve prospects for long-term trade and investment in beef in Indonesia.
To capitalise on the opportunities for agricultural cooperation and investment, the Forum will recommend activities to build the meat supply chain and encourage greater Australian investment in Indonesia. The $60 million package will be available to kick start these activities, which would benefit both Australian and Indonesian consumers and producers.