China, Japan and Korea FTAs explored at FLA Forums

Food Leaders Australia (FLA) have successfully rolled out the first series of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Forums across the Darling Downs.

The Forums were hosted as a part of the first stage of the “Unlocking Northern Asia – FTAs Enabling the Darling Downs Export Opportunity” project, which is being undertaken as a result of funding received by TSBE as a part of the Australian Government’s Free Trade Agreement Training Provider Grant program.

The program has been designed to assist recipient organisations provide training to help small and medium businesses reach opportunities as result of Australia’s new FTAs with China, Japan and Korea.

TSBE chief executive officer Dr Ben Lyons said it was great to see strong interest in the first round of forums which were held in Toowoomba and Kingaroy.

“It was great to see a number of regional businesses from the Toowoomba and Kingaroy areas attending the FTA Forums to learn more about the opportunities for their business in light of the new FTAs with China, Japan and Korea,” Dr Lyons said.

“There has been a lot of talk in recent months surrounding the FTAs, however it is important that businesses are able to access practical advice around what these agreements actually mean for the future growth of their business.”

Content for the forums was delivered by PWC’s Director – International Trade & Excise, Claire Sing and focused on giving participants an introduction to Australia’s FTAs with China, Korea and Japan, the benefits of the FTA’s and case studies showcasing these benefits, and an outline of common mistakes businesses make when exporting.

Ms Sing highlighted the magnitude of Queensland’s existing export with North Asia with China, Japan and South Korea accounting for 52.5 per cent of Queensland’s total exports.

The project will also involve the development of an online platform for SMEs, to be delivered following the forums, which will provide ongoing benefits and create a virtual learning management system with real-time interactive consultancy and learning for the involve businesses.

For those who missed out on attending the FTA forums in person, a Webinar session is being held on 1 August 2016, 12 noon Interested participants can register at http://foodleadersaus.com.au/events/view/21/navigating-the-free-trade-agreements.