By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
GEELONG’S potential as an export food bowl through Avalon Airport is being promoted across south-east Asia.
A recently-returned Victorian Government trade mission to Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand pushed the advantages of fresh produce with a 24-hour turnaround.
Trade mission member Chris Walsh, an agribusiness executive of Herne Hill, said he found a “massive opportunity right on our doorstep”.
“In Australia we tend to live in a bit of a bubble, all telling each other that we’re a food bowl and becoming a big player in the world market, but when you get over there you realise we’re quite small in world terms.”
Mr Walsh said the region was a huge potential market, Indonesia alone with the population of American right on Australia’s doorstep.
“It’s a really massive opportunity in south-east Asia because there are so many markets, so many entrepreneurs and a lot of big businesses.
“We also have to realise that businesses in Asia take a long-term view. Often they don’t look to be immediately profitable, they’re not trying to make a quick buck.
“Business people in Asia want to build personal relationships, they want to work with people and get to know them.
“That means it’s more than just a phone call or email – it means getting over there and sitting with them and having a coffee, inviting them to Geelong and hosting them here, building closer ties. That’s what they really enjoy.”
Mr Walsh said the trade mission gave him extra confidence in Asian opportunities.
“Logistically, with Avalon we’re in a good spot – it’s only a short flight and costs can be kept down.
“It’ll be hard work but if we want to break out of the mould of what we have been usually doing in agribusinesses then I can’t stress enough to pursue these types of markets.”
Mr Walsh said the trade mission was all about networking, making contacts, opening dialogue and exploring opportunities.
“I was amazed at the amount of work going on. The State Government has people on the ground working behind the scenes.
“It was not something I was really aware of and I appreciate that a lot more now, so if businesses are interested in widening their horizons they need to be going to these events because they’ll meet people and find opportunities.”
