MEDIA RELEASE 12th April 2024

Cook Government and Western Australian Wine Industry Partnership Grows
Support for re-entry to China
• Cook Government funding to accelerate WA wine exports to China
• An additional $500,000 package to promote WA wines and re-enter the market
• Funding builds on $6 million joint investment in WA’s Wine Industry Export Growth Partnership

Premier Roger Cook and Regional Development Minister Don Punch today announced a $500,000 package to support WA’s world-renowned wineries. Western Australia’s State Government has been supporting its exporting wineries through its Wine Industry Growth Partnership, implemented in collaboration with Wines of Western Australia.

The Wine Industry Export Growth Partnership is directly supported by industry funding of $3 million, matched by State Government, over a four-year period starting in 2001. Wines of Western Australia CEO Larry Jorgensen said, “The Cook Government has worked closely with our producers and exporters to support our valuable industry. With the reopening of the China market, we will continue to work with them to re-establish key relationships and promote our products and wonderful wine tourism experiences.”

Prior to the tariffs, WA exported 2.1 million litres of wine to China at a value of $18.3 million, representing 38% of the state’s total exports.
Mr Jorgensen said, “We value the ongoing support and collaboration with the Cook Government, and we note the support of Minister for Regional Development Don Punch in developing this support package.”

The Premier will lead an industry roundtable today to discuss industry’s goals and strategies to rebuild key relationships and trading channels with China.

Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
“Supporting our premium wineries to re-enter the Chinese market is key to encouraging diversification, benefitting the WA economy in the long term.
“We will continue listening to industry to better understand the challenges and opportunities to help grow this important contributor to the State’s economy and the regions.”

Comments attributed to Minister for Regional Development Don Punch:
“Full resumption of bilateral trade will be a significant benefit for both markets, and the WA Government welcomes these positive steps given our close ties with the Chinese market. This important funding will continue to assist the WA wine industry to respond to the significant changes to the China wine market over the past four years.
Ends Media inquiries to: Larry Jorgensen M – 0448 884 161 E – [email protected]