The Centre for Global Food and Resources (GFAR) is playing a key role in building enhanced collaboration between Australian and Indonesian Government agencies and private sector by leading a two week short course on Food Standards and Regulations Familiarisation as part of the IA-CEPA (Indonesia – Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) negotiation early outcome. A high level ministerial and private sector delegation of 72 officials is currently visiting the University of Adelaide to take part in this short course.
This morning, Prof. 
Christopher Findlay, Dean of the Faculty of Professions, opened the short course for three different streams: Food products, Herbal products and Pharmaceutical products today morning at the Union House in the North Terrace campus of the University. At the opening session Prof. Findlay spoke about the importance of economic integration in the Asia Pacific region and the key role of Australia in bringing about collaboration between economies. He highlighted the need for understanding standards and regulations in detail and how countries incorporate these into policies and the implications the policies have while negotiating trade agreements.
Dr. Amelia Widysanti from BAPPENAS (Indonesian Ministry of National Development Planning) presented her views on Indonesia’s many opportunities to enhance trade ties with Australia. She urged the course participants to make the most out of the two weeks and build networks with Australian government officials and private sector representatives.
The participants were later welcomed to the Centre for Global Food and Resources by Associate Director Craig Johns. Craig outlined the two week program and informed participants about the various classroom sessions and industrial visits planned for them. Craig also introduced the expert academics that will deliver modules in this program which included Prof. Randy Stringer, Dr. David Adamson and Dr. Lenka Malek. Elizabeth Gunner from Richard Gunner’s Fine Meats will also be involved in the program and encourage discussion with the industry on various issues.
Dr. Natasha Caulfield and Rohan Yargop are coordinating this course for GFAR.
The first day was wrapped up with a welcome dinner hosted by the University of Adelaide at the wonderful National Wine Centre, showcasing the finest South Australian produce!
