Hanoi, Vietnam – May 4, 2024 - A delegation of twenty-two representatives from Vietnam's beef and cattle industry is gearing up for a “once-in-a-lifetime” mission to Australia, centered around the Beef Australia 2024 industry showcase. Organized with support of the Australia-Vietnam Enhanced Economic Engagement Grant (AVEG) project, this initiative aims to promote greater collaboration and trade between the two nations in the beef sector.
Supported by Griffith University and Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) projects a group of twenty-two delegates, including leading and up-and-coming beef businesses, government representatives and technical experts, the group will embark on a comprehensive exploration of Australia's renowned beef industry. Amongst the delegates are ten live cattle and genetic importers, five beef meat importers, distributers, and retailers, three government representatives and four technical support crew.
Australia, a global leader in cattle and beef production, offers a wealth of opportunities for the beef and cattle sector in Vietnam. With Queensland serving as the epicenter of Beef Week, the delegation's attendance at Beef Australia 2024 promises unparalleled networking and learning opportunities.
The delegation will immerse themselves in Beef 2024 in Rockhampton, Australia’s largest and most exciting beef cattle trade expo. During the weeklong exhibition the group will network and connect with the Australian cattle industry representatives, meet cattle producers, processors and prospective suppliers, inspect cattle shows and sales and be inspired by celebrity chefs and butchers showcasing their value adding skills.
Following Beef 2024, the group will travel to the Northern Territory or South East Queensland to further explore the breadth and opportunities in the live-cattle export and slaughter beef supply chains.
The Chairman of the Vietnam Enterprise and Agriculture Council and T&T 159 Hoa Binh Joint Stock Company, Mr. Ha Van Thang remarked that his main objective of joining the delegation was “looking for partners to cooperate in importing fattened cattle and producing organic fertilizer from cattle manure in Vietnam”.
"At the heart of this delegation is a commitment to forging meaningful partnerships and leveraging Australia's wealth of knowledge and resources in the livestock sector," remarked Ms. Pham Thi Kim Dung, Head of Breeding Department, Department of Livestock, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, representing the Vietnamese government. "We see tremendous potential for increasing collaboration, particularly in enhancing our breeding programs and securing high-quality genetic materials."
The delegation, generously supported by the Australian Government through the Australia Vietnam Enhanced Economic Engagement Grant (AVEG) program, underscores the commitment of both nations have for deepening economic ties. Vietnam has emerged as one of Australia's largest agriculture trading partners, with bilateral trade continuing to grow year on year. This delegation is also particularly meaningful as Vietnam and Australia have recently upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
“Australia and Vietnam have very strong agricultural traditions. Both countries also have significant trade, and a strong, and growing partnership in the beef and cattle sectors. In 2023, Australia exported $170 million dollars of Australian beef to Vietnam and $206 million Australian live cattle”, said Tony Harman, the Australian Agriculture Counsellor at the Australian Embassy in Vietnam.
This delegation marks a pivotal moment in our countries’ collaborative journey, as we work hand in hand to shape the future of the beef and cattle sectors.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Ms Le Thi Hang Nga at [email protected] or +84971064187
About Beef Australia: Beef Australia showcases the best of Australia's beef industry and is held every three years in Rockhampton, Queensland the beef capital of Australia. From producers to processors, researchers to chefs, Beef Australia brings together stakeholders from across domestic and global beef cattle value chains to celebrate excellence and drive innovation and trade in the beef sector. Over four-hundred international delegates are expected to participate in Beef in 2024. For more information, visit [Beef Australia Website].
About the Australia-Vietnam Enhanced Economic Engagement Project: The Australia-Vietnam Enhanced Economic Engagement Grant (AVEG) project is supported by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The initiative aims to strengthen economic ties between Australia and Vietnam across various sectors, including agriculture, trade, and investment. Through initiatives like the Vietnam Beef and Cattle Delegation to Australia, the project seeks to promote collaboration, knowledge exchange, trade and economic development for both nations.