The Australian dairy industry has welcomed the conclusion of negotiations on the terms for Vietnam’s accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Vietnam had originally requested membership to the WTO based on very restrictive access for dairy product imports – including increases to tariffs on most items and the introduction of quotas for milk powders.
But the final package announced on November 7 will significantly improve access for a number of key items.
Australian Dairy Industry Council chairman, Allan Burgess, said that was a win-win for Australian exporters.
Australia will provide quality products to food manufacturers and dairy companies in Vietnam, which will support the growth of their businesses, based on giving them assured access to both imported ingredients and local milk.
Vietnam is one of the world’s fastest growing dairy import markets.
