Australian milk product exports to India to resume

Melbourne, Mar 3 (ANI): Exports of Australian milk products to India are set to resume for the first time since 2003 following an agreement between the governments of both countries.

Australian dairy exports to India were worth around 6 million dollars annually when the trade was suspended after the Indian Government changed its requirements for importing goods.

The Australian Government is hopeful that exports will grow beyond the 2003 mark when trade recommences in the near future.

The Indian Government recently approved a new system for the health certification of Australian milk products developed by the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service, News.com.au reported.

Trade Minister Simon Crean said the reopening of the trade reflected the growing agricultural relationship between Australia and India and the benefits of ongoing cooperation on bilateral trade issues.

"India's changing demographics, particularly its growing middle class and urbanisation, is creating real potential for the trade growth and Australia is well placed to provide high-value dairy products," Crean said.

Agriculture Minister Tony Burke said it was an important opportunity for the industry at a time when Australian dairy producers were going through a difficult period.

The breakthrough in India follows the signing of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement last week that will deliver better access for Australian dairy farmers to a South East Asian market with more than 600 million people. (ANI)