Australia needs infrastructure for export

Insight from China could help the country reach its A$100bn agriculture goal by 2030

China does infrastructure better and more cost-efficiently than just about anybody, according to KPMG’s Asia business adviser, Doug Ferguson.

Ferguson believes that Australia has something to learn from this, and could improve our infrastructure plan to align with China’s Belt and Road program, fostering trade.

The Land reported that successful regional hubs like Toowoomba’s Wellcamp Airport in Queensland offer considerable opportunities to service direct exports of perishable fresh produce to markets in Asia and elsewhere.

The National Farmer’s Federation has a goal to lift the value of farm production in Australia to A$100bn by 2030. Ferguson believes this is “unattainable” unless the country takes an assertive approach.

Building better regional transport, strong water infrastructure and international airport hubs are just some ways that Ferguson believes Australia could improve.

Australia’s current inland rail project offers considerable opportunity to transport produce to airport hubs. “If an airport already exists, these aren’t big ticket projects,” said Ferguson.

“You’d only need A$50 million to A$100m (each) to get these facilities handling product from various food production zones around the country.”

According to The Land simply sealing rural roads could cut transport costs by around 24 per cent.

Source: http://www.fruitnet.com/asiafruit

Author: Camellia Aebischer