Agri-exporter gets food from farms to Chinese tables

China is one of Australia's largest export markets for high-quality agriculture commodities. With growing tariff reductions as a result of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement, export trading firms such as Sydney-based United World Enterprises are well positioned to capitalize on the opportunities ahead.

"We are going to play a key role in China's cattle industry," said Jimmy Liu, CEO of UWE, commenting on the impact of ChAFTA on agri-business and bilateral trade between China and Australia.

UWE has exported from Australia to the Asian market for more than 20 years, with 90 percent of its produce going to China. "We were the first Australian exporter of cottonseed to China in 2010, and the largest shipper of sorghum to China in 2014," Liu said. "This year, UWE formed a joint venture with Bright Foods Group in Shanghai to export 50,000 tons of oaten hay from Australian farms directly to end-users in China."

UWE also has the benefit of a strong presence in Shanghai. Liu said, "Our Shanghai office provides a direct service for our Chinese clients and gives UWE an experienced and locally based advantage in China."

Building on its success exporting feed, UWE has now widened its focus to China's fast-growing cattle sector. "Our slogan is: 'From the cattle farm all the way to your plate'," Liu said.

UWE invests in leading technologies to oversee the entire process - from feedlot to processing - and provide clients with real-time information. "We have built strong mutual relationships with our customers, as we provide full control within the supply chain," Liu said. "We have invested in over 6,000 acres (2,400 hectares) of prime cattle farm in Australia, and currently hold nearly 5,000 head of cattle on our Currabubula farm in New South Wales."

Elected as the first chairman of the Australia China Agriculture Trade and Investment Association, Liu champions the organization's goal of becoming a key vehicle in the promotion of agricultural business between China and Australia.

"The association recently concluded a successful three-day Shanghai conference with around 300 local and overseas traders and investors looking for potential agri-business ventures," Liu said.

"At UWE, we believe we are in the best position possible to meet growing market demand in China for all quality Australian agricultural products," he added.