Australian Ambassador Neil Hawkins discussed with Sulaiman Saeed Al-Jabri, chairman of the committee of livestock traders at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of Aljabri Co. Ltd., preparations for the first livestock shipment arrival at the Jeddah Islamic Port in November. They also deliberated on the possible ways of enhancing trade cooperation between the two countries and bring it to the previous level.
Hawkins described said the bilateral relations were excellent and steadily growing in different sectors of industry and commerce, and welcomed the return of his country's contribution to the Kingdom's expanding and lucrative livestock market after a gap of two years. “I look forward to larger Australian livestock imports in the coming years that and returning to the level that existed two years ago when the Kingdom's cattle imports exceeded one million from the country covering 60 percent of the Kingdom's needs. This was the position two years ago when the exchange rate of the Australian dollar marked an increase. During the period, the Kingdom has been depending on Sudan, Somalia and other African countries for livestock imports.
The ambassador noted that his country has presented Al-Jabri an appreciation certificate for launching the biggest project in the field of fattening and breeding livestock according to international standards in Alshumaisi.
The ambassador spoke in appreciation of Al-Jabri for the important role he has been playing in promoting and expanding the bilateral commercial relations. “He has been a symbol of our bilateral cooperation,” he added.
The ambassador said importing Australian livestock would reduce the Kingdom's fodder imports, as the Australian sheep do not need large quantities of fattening fodder in comparison to other kinds.
Aljabri said the Alshumaisi project covered 8 sq km with a capacity of 700,000 head of livestock comprising sheep, cows and camels per year. He referred to an ambitious plan he is pursuing to increase livestock imports.
He called on fellow livestock traders across the Kingdom to work for the promotion and stability of prices in order to preserve the interests of the consumer.
