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Last Updated: Sep 25th, 2006 - 11:36:04 |
Bahrain to stay hub for Australia meat export group
Posted: Saturday, July 15, 2006
Manama
Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) has announced its decision to maintain Bahrain as an operational hub for its regional business following speculation of the company’s move elsewhere within the Gulf.
The company is responsible for the implementation of marketing and market support programmes and for commissioning research and development for Australian meat and livestock throughout the world,
The decision bolsters a 20-year relationship MLA has had with Bahrain owing to the convenient working environment, convenience and steady commercial development in the Kingdom.
Australia has seen a 23 per cent jump in sheepmeat exports to the Middle East region and Bahrain remains an important hub for supporting these sales. In 2005, 521,000 live sheep were shipped to Bahrain; the fourth largest market for Australian sheep.
Ian Ross, regional manager of MLA, said: “Bahrain continues to provide a reliable business environment with great accessibility to our customers throughout the Gulf.
“Our regional workforce enjoys its pleasant lifestyle and strong sense of community.
“Its central location allows easy access across the causeway to Saudi Arabia and UAE; our two major markets in the region.”
Employing the most advanced international technologies and stringent hygiene standards, Australia is a leading producer and exporter of red meat products with annual exports of 2,500,000 tonnes of meat products, including 910,000 tonnes of beef and veal, 141,000 tonnes of lamb and 141,000 tonnes of mutton.
In 2004 – 2005, Australia exported more than three million sheep and 81 thousand cattle to the Middle East.
Moreover, Australian processors who export to the Middle East also meet strict regulations on Sharia-compliant slaughter procedures set by GCC countries- these systems are audited by representatives from the GCC to ensure that Halal products exported to the region meet religious requirements.
These regulations are rigorously supported by Australian government legislation.
TradeArabia News Service
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