Premier says Tasmanian exports keenly sought by overseas markets

UPDATED: Premier Will Hodgman has proclaimed his trade mission to Japan an unqualified success.

PREMIER Will Hodgman has proclaimed his trade mission to Japan an unqualified success.

Mr Hodgman and local industry leaders returned on Saturday after a week spruiking the state to industry and government leaders in Tokyo and Sapporo.

KONNICHIWA! PREMIER OFF ON NEW TRADE MISSION

“This trade mission was a great opportunity for us to promote our agriculture, our aquaculture, our resources in mining or forestry and our energy,” Mr Hodgman said.

“We were able to make sure that Tasmania is front and center on the international stage at Foodex, which is the largest trade expo for food and beverages in Asia and up to 85,000 people visit there and this is a great way to put some Tasmanian producers right in the thick of it and make sure that our products and what we do here remains front of mind for our export markets.”

Today we’re at Foodex promoting our fantastic Tasmanian produce to new customers, helping to grow our agriculture industry through increased trade with key markets. #politas pic.twitter.com/gAhEGHRfET

— Will Hodgman MP (@WillHodgman) 7 March 2019

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Mr Hodgman said the trade mission made great progress in promoting Tasmanian vegetables, fisheries, food and win as well as the state’s role as an Antarctic hub.

“In Japan, people are well aware of the clean green nature of Tasmania, the excellent premium quality products – it’s why they want more of them,” he said.

“They are also conscious of our brand, whether it be our beautiful environment or the fact that we are GMO free – the only Australian state that can make that claim. These are important to consumers across the world particularly in key markets like Japan.”

The Premier said the state’s export industries were booming.

“Our latest trade figures show that in the year to January, Tasmania exported $3.74 billion in goods, which is up 11.3 per cent compared to the previous year.”

Tas Prime Oysters manager Jane Kenane and Premier Will Hodgman. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Tas Prime Oysters manager Jane Kenane hosted a visit by Mr Hodgman at the company’s Cambridge headquarters on Monday.

Ms Kenane said trade missions were vital for the development of Tasmanian export industries.

“It’s extremely important for us that he is pushing the boat for Tasmania because the brand and the name Tasmania is known right throughout the world and we produce such great produce in this state.

“To have that Tasmanian brand associated with our name, half of our work is already done. As soon as they see that name Tasmania, they know that they are going to get good quality produce from us.”

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