The recent appointment of the agribusiness and food development manager to the Western Australian Trade and Investment Office in Jakarta is expected to result in increased trade opportunities for Western Australia.
Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) Director General Rob Delane said Maharini Rahsilaputeri (pref. Puteri) was appointed to the position by the Department of State Development with funding from DAFWA projects.
“Ms Puteri will work with businesses and conduct market analysis to identify potential value-adding, trade and investment opportunities for Western Australia’s agriculture and food businesses,” Mr Delane said.
“She will also provide in-country support for the department’s Northern Beef Futures and Asian Market Success projects.
“In addition to helping increase the value of our established and new export markets in Indonesia, Ms Puteri will focus on the identification, development and promotion of strategic alliance opportunities, and provide supply chain support.
“The role will also include the promotion of Western Australia’s agriculture and food products.”
Ms Puteri has extensive experience in marketing and sales, having worked for leading brands Unilever Indonesia and Danone Dairy, with a focus on consumer marketing.
She has strong business-to-business links in Indonesia and other ASEAN markets and will complement the work of DAFWA project teams and WA Trade and Investment Office, Jakarta.
On a scheduled visit to Jakarta in November, DAFWA beef market and supply chain development manager Manus Stockdale welcomed Ms Puteri to the role and provided her with an overview of the WA beef sector and the Northern Beef Futures project.
“Ms Puteri has been introduced to some of the key Indonesian importers of WA agrifood products including wheat, beef, cattle and horticulture,” Mr Stockdale said
“I expect the new position will result in better engagement between WA producers and other supply chain businesses with Indonesian importers of Western Australia’s agrifood products.
“Improved market intelligence and insights on Indonesia will enable local producers to better target the preferences of Indonesian customers, resulting in increased market share and value.”
In 2014-15, Indonesia was Western Australia’s second largest agrifood export market, valued at more than $1billion, and the largest market for live beef cattle, valued at $91 million.
The department’s Northern Beef Futures and Asian Market Success projects were made possible by Royalties for Regions.
Photo caption: The newly-appointed agribusiness and food development manager at the WA Trade and Investment Office, Jakarta, Maharini Rahsilaputeri, meets project staff at the Department of Agriculture and Food, WA.
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