The Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) has chosen a leading produce industry export support group to receive one of 18 grants given to member-based organizations.

The AUD$$159,000 (US$150,939) grant for the Australian Horticultural Exporters Association will be used to develop online knowledge-sharing resources between exporters and Asian counterparts, and to build strategic partnerships in South Korea, China and Japan.

An AHEA release said the project is also supported also by in-kind contribution by the Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and State Department, Trade & Investment.

"As a nation we need to understand Asian market requirements and preferences in order to adapt production and capitalise on the Asian opportunity," said AHEA executive director Michelle Christoe.

Minister for Trade and Investment, Andrew Robb, said the grants would help further open up key Asian markets for Australian businesses and organizations in areas such as agribusiness, science and innovation, and services covering tourism, education, professional services, engineering and built environment.

"The Asian Business Engagement Plan will also assist Australian business to pursue opportunities created by the successful conclusion of bi-lateral trade agreements with both Korea and Japan – two of our biggest trading partners," Robb said.

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