The Hon. Jaala Pulford MLC – travel report, Japan and China, September 2015

Purpose of travel

The aim of my visit to China and Japan (representing two of Victoria's largest markets for food and fibre exports, worth $2.8 billion and $0.9 billion respectively in 2014–15) was to reinforce Victoria's reputation as a supplier of premium and reliable food and fibre products; promote Victoria as a preferred investment destination; progress temperate fruit market access priorities; and support Victorian industry to capitalise on emerging trade opportunities.

Benefits of travel to the state of Victoria

My travel to Japan and China delivered multiple benefits, including:

• meeting with Japanese investors in Victoria's horticulture sector (e.g. Mitsubishi Kaiteki and Kagome), and Chinese investors in Victoria's meat sector (e.g. Foresun);
• meeting with the President of Nippon Paper in Japan, the parent company of Morwell-based Australian Paper, one of the largest employers in the Latrobe Valley;
• supporting the Australian horticulture industry to boost the profile of its "Now! In Season" trade promotions in Japan (for table grapes) and China (for citrus);
• supporting Australia's representation at the Beijing Fruit and Vegetable Fair, including witnessing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Association (CIQA) to help progress key market access priorities for key horticultural products; and
• following up on a recent visit to Victoria by leading Chinese e-commerce platforms, to identify ways to support businesses better engage in the Chinese e-commerce market.