Winemakers press Australia’s Turnbull to make China trip
Staff Writer |
Australian winemakers urged Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to visit China to resolve diplomatic tensions blamed for trade obstacles that have raised concerns for the future of a $650 million wine export market.
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As many as six Australian wine companies, including Treasury Wine Estates — the world’s biggest listed winemaker — have faced delays at Chinese customs this year amid the diplomatic rift between Canberra and Beijing.
Australian beef and citrus producers are also calling on the government to do more to resolve the tensions with Australia’s largest trading partner, sparked by Canberra’s allegations of Chinese economic coercion and political meddling.
Representatives from companies were yesterday to hold talks with Australian Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Anne Ruston, Wine Federation of Australia chief executive Tony Battaglene said.
“There is a meeting with Senator Ruston, where it will be suggested that the prime minister travel to China,†he said. “There is obvious concern about China from the government, but for us, we must all be aware that they are an extremely important strategic partner.â€
Beijing has shunned Australian officials in recent months, casting doubt on a visit to China by Turnbull expected later this year. Left unresolved, the issue could become a sore point for the government ahead of elections next year.
“The prime minister has indicated a willingness to go to China. It obviously has got to be married against a number of other competing demands in terms of time,†Australian Minister for Trade and Investment Steven Ciobo told reporters in Canberra.
“There is a trade irritant that is there, but when you put it in the context of where trade is going, when you look at the growth we’ve had of beef and wine exports, I think it is important that we don’t mischaracterize what is happening,†he added. ■