WA seafood exporters have their foot on the recovery accelerator!
While many industries are bunkered down, WAFIC has been working with a number of Western Australian seafood exporters who are confidently stepping up with a vision to consolidate and expand post COVID-19 and diversify WA’s export markets.
Ten WA seafood companies participated in an online one-on-one business-matching event in Singapore last week, securing 18 meetings with key buyers from across the region.
This was a Food Innovation Australia Limited (FIAL) event, FIAL is a not-for-profit organisation working alongside Austrade and the Australian Government to support our seafood and agri-business sectors through sharing knowledge, building capability and creating connections. WAFIC had a primary role working closely with FIAL ensuring export-ready Western Australia seafood companies participated in this virtual business matching forum.
While COVID-19 has restricted travel and diminished the ability to meet and trade face-to-face, FIAL and WAFIC are collaborating to create opportunities for WA seafood businesses to connect with international markets through a series of virtual business-matching events. The development of virtual business meetings has been a significant positive outcome emanating from COVID-19 restrictions and is seen as a way forward across the globe.
To be part of the FIAL export development process, you must register your products online in the Australian Food Catalogue. Once registered, your products will be featured in the online catalogue and you’ll be advised of upcoming events.
International buyers use the FIAL catalogue as a free online tool to identify export-ready seafood products and will make contact to discuss trade opportunities.
The catalogue platform has been recently enhanced with new tools and an online events program.
WAFIC has already sent out information on the next FIAL virtual event which is scheduled for 30th June 2020 in Thailand. Other FIAL business matching virtual events are planned for Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. WAFIC will provide updated information on these markets and events once the dates have been confirmed.
To maximise your opportunities, companies registering with the FIAL catalogue need to have a clear value proposition, be export-ready and have updated marketing material illustrating your products and packaging. It is essential that businesses are proactive in following up with interested buyers.
WA seafood companies looking to diversify and expand their markets should contact Mannie Shea at WAFIC by email at: [email protected] or call 0452 070 037.