Meat & Livestock Australia to open office in Indonesia

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) will open a new office in Jakarta by the end of 2009 due to the strong and growing trade of Australian cattle and beef with Indonesia.

Having a base in Indonesia will ensure Australia is in the best position to benefit from opportunities in the market and increase overall beef demand in the region, said MLA chairman Don Heatley.

Indonesia is Australia's third largest market, offering a range of opportunities for the Australian cattle industry, said Heatley, adding that Australia's livestock export industry is able to fulfill Indonesia's large demand for freshly processed beef.

He noted there is also a growing number of Indonesians shopping in supermarkets, providing great opportunities for Australia's chilled and frozen beef exports.