ONE of the challenges for smaller red meat businesses looking to establish a foothold in the emerging Asian export market is in simply ‘getting started’ – including identifying and cultivating relationships with compatible customers.

A survey conducted last year by Asialink Business and the Business Council of Australia identified a lack of readily available, practical information on penetrating Asian markets as a key factor holding back many Australian agribusinesses from doing business in Asia.

However a new information resource launched in Melbourne yesterday is designed to help smaller businesses optimise opportunities emerging through free trade agreements and demand growth in Asia.

During a business forum in Melbourne, Small Business minister Kelly O’Dwyer launched the Asialink Business Country Starter Packs, an innovative new tool developed by Asialink Business.

She described the Starter Packs as a comprehensive and highly accessible ‘how-to’ guide that empowers businesses of all sizes to get started or expand in the Asian market.

“Many Australian businesses are actively seeking help to overcome challenges they face to do business in Asia,” she said. “The Country Starter Packs will be a valuable tool for smaller businesses looking to engage with customers in the region.”

Country Starter Packs have been developed so far for China, Indonesia, Korea and Thailand, with more countries to follow.

“The guides give businesses the keys to unlock opportunities in the fastest growing markets in our region,” Asialink chief executive Mukund Narayanamurti said.

The packs feature practical case studies, up-to-date market insights and first-hand examples to assist businesses in all sectors of the economy. They provide a roadmap to navigate Asia’s diverse commercial environments, and highlight opportunities in specific sectors, markets and economies.

“Around Australia, businesses of all sizes told us they recognise the potential in Asia, and are optimistic about the doors opened by the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement and other FTAs – but they want a practical tool to help translate these opportunities into reality,” Mr Narayanamurti said.

Over the past two years China has rapidly emerged as Australia’s fourth largest beef export market, becoming a primary target for the Australian beef industry, with significant growth potential.

“The China FTA is a platform to enable this growth and for Australian agriculture to take advantage of the consumer market opportunities it presents,” Murray Goulburn managing director, Gary Helou, said during yesterday’s Country Starter Pack launch.

“The Starter Packs fill the critical information gap that business identified as their biggest hurdle,” he said.

“The China FTA, which we hope to see ratified soon, has increased the urgency for Australian business to do its homework and get prepared. This agreement, combined with other FTAs and the growing appetite of Asia’s middle classes, has created an unprecedented window for Australia to grow, create jobs and diversify its economy,” Mr Narayanamurti said.

“It is critical that business act purposefully to take up these opportunities and the Country Starter Packs are an essential first step in helping Australian food producers be better prepared to engage with China and other Asian markets,” he said.

• The Country Starter Packs are available in hard and soft copy formats and as a shareable app. Click here to access.

Source: Asialink Business