Indonesian cattle demand spells big things for Northern Territory
251,000 head of cattle exported to the nation in 2014
The Northern Territory live cattle export market looks set to expand dramatically over the next three years, with the Indonesian Government signalling it is looking to import two million breeding head by 2018.
Minister for Primary Industry and Fisheries Willem Westra van Holthe said discussions on a recent trade mission to East Kalimantan were extremely fruitful.
"Indonesia has been a growing live export market for the Northern Territory for several years, with 251,000 head of cattle exported to the nation in 2014," Minister Westra van Holthe said.
"With their ambitious goal to increase imports to two million by 2018, I expect the Northern Territory will be key to achieving that ambitious goal.
"When I met with the Provincial Government I did indicate it would be difficult to meet such a large target but the Northern Territory Government will do everything it can to help achieve that goal.
"At the end of the day, it all comes down to the commercial reality and making sure the prices are right but this undoubtedly indicates big things for the Territory live cattle export market," Minister Westra van Holthe said.
The Indonesian Government is also providing financial support to its Eastern Provinces so they can import breeding stock from Australian shores.
Minister Westra van Holthe said Indonesia is looking to increases its domestic herd and improve the nation's ability to be self-sufficient.
"East Kalimantan's Provincial Government plans to import 11,000 head initially, with a much bigger scope to expand on that down the track," Minister Westra van Holthe said.
"It's important the Northern Territory is regarded as a supplier of choice for breeder cattle and this latest trade mission has gone a long way to achieving that."
The live export trade is worth around $230 million to the Territory's economy each year, with Indonesia making up a large chunk of that as the NT's largest export market.
photo ABC
