Australia’s government undertook the pre-feasibility study to gauge the potential of expanding its trade opportunities with Thailand and other countries. The report is part of a wider AUD$15m investment plan to grow and diversify its beef operation in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions of Australia, according to regional development minister Terry Redman.
The two countries benefit from the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement, which has largely eliminated export tariffs on a range of products, but beef is one of the few not supported by the trade pact.
In 2015, Thailand imported more than 9,000 head of cattle from Australia and the government is looking to beef up its export capability in south-east Asia.