Although there are presently no formal agreements between Australia and Taiwan, Queensland horticulturalists are trying to build direct relationships with buyers in Taiwan, which they hope will encourage the Federal Government to begin talks on a Free Trade Agreement with the county.
A delegation of 25 Taiwanese buyers travelled to Bundaberg recently to sample Australian produce, reports abc.net.au.
Trade and Investment Queensland regional adviser Brett Tucker said "It's one of the countries that we believe we need to develop closer marketing arrangements with and supply channels to support the growth and expansion of our food industry," he said.
"The commitment from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office to bring a delegation is a testament to Taiwan's commitment to increase the trade relationship with Queensland."
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office director general Ken Lai led the delegation, and said the two countries had much in common.
Taiwan has a population of 24 million, similar in size to Australia, and a tradition of eating fruit after every meal has made them the world's leading consumers, at about 140kg of fresh fruit per person per year.
The economy is also a similar size, about $1.1 trillion US dollars GDP, with a wealthy middle class capable of consuming high-end products and one of the world's highest expenditure rates on food.
