International agricultural cooperation
International agricultural cooperation, also called international technical cooperation or technical capacity building, refers to the efforts of the department to build the skills of developing country trading partners in areas such as quarantine practices, implementation of SPS obligations, biosecurity, sustainable resource management, animal welfare and trade policy, and develop ongoing relationships. This also includes Australia’s contributions to the United Nations FAO and other multilateral organisations.
The majority of our international cooperation activities are defined as ODA, which is aid given by governments to countries listed by the OECD as developing countries and to multilateral organisations. ODA is administered with the promotion of the economic development and welfare of developing countries as its main objective. Even though there will obviously be benefits to Australia, this does not affect the ODA status of our activities. Aid can secure mutual benefits for both partners.
The aim of the Department’s international cooperation programs is to assist key trading partners to develop policy, technical and operational capabilities in agricultural, fisheries, forestry and food related areas, in line with Australia’s national interest. An important element in opening up market opportunities, particularly in relation to developing Asian economies, is the targeting of market development activities through technical assistance, training, joint ventures or direct investment linkages, on the basis that this will lead to increased demand for Australian-sourced products, technology and expertise.
There is an ongoing role for the Government to ensure suitable technical assistance mechanisms are in place to facilitate cooperation at the government to government level as well as to involve the private sector in supporting bilateral trade and investment strategies.
Technical assistance and training in quarantine, import risk assessment and food standards are important elements of the Department’s international cooperation activities. These activities help to build confidence and engender goodwill between partner countries about each others’ systems and processes. They also help to improve understanding of the animal and plant health status of the region, allowing Australia to better focus its quarantine system and activities in relation to regional trans-boundary pest and disease risks.
In addition to the Department’s programs, the Department also works closely with other agencies such as AusAID and ACIAR on international cooperation activities.