Over 40 tonnes of fresh South Australian produce, seafood and meat now on its way to Singapore under a new agreement that will see local businesses once again have a direct freight route into key export markets across Asia.
Federal Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said the deal with Singapore Airlines would re-establish a direct freight route for South Australian exporters who have been doing it tough during the COVID-19 crisis.
"Through this arrangement we're backing South Australia's farmers and fishers. By restoring this critical freight route, we're giving South Australian exporters a direct line back into key export markets across Asia," Minister Birmingham said.
"Our exporters fight so hard to win contracts in export markets and we want to make sure they can continue to get their products to their customers on time.
"The more South Australian produce, meat and seafood we can onto these flights and headed overseas, the more local jobs we can secure and the more export dollars we can bring back into South Australia."
Premier of South Australia, Steven Marshall said this is a great step in the right direction and will provide a significant boost for local exporters and jobs.
"Today marks a real turning point for South Australia's exporters who have been struggling with the impacts of coronavirus.
"It's fantastic that our local producers now have a clear pathway to supply their fresh premium produce to markets around the world.
"This is a great result for local jobs, and I'd like to extend my gratitude to the Morrison Government and Singapore Airlines for supporting South Australian businesses," said Mr Marshall.
The International Freight Assistance Mechanism is part of the Morrison Government's $1 billion Relief and Recovery Fund to support regions, communities and industry sectors that have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
For more information, please go to https://www.austrade.gov.au/News/News/international-freight-assistance-mechanism.
