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Guangzhou, China – Australian officials and private sector representatives recently concluded a series of meetings at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Senior Officials’ Meetings in Guangzhou, focusing on strengthening regional partnerships and promoting sustainable agri-food systems. The meetings, held throughout the first week of February 2026, underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing pressing challenges like food security and sustainable resource management across the Asia-Pacific region.
Led by Caroline Wardrop, Director of the Multilateral Economic team, the Australian delegation included Laura McGrath, Agriculture Counsellor to China, and Ashleigh Thomson, International Forest Policy, alongside key figures from the Australian private sector. This included Julie Bird, Chair of Hort Innovation and Board Member of the Cotton Research and Development Corporation, and representatives from Artesian Invest: Tim Heasley, Jeremy Colless, and Fiona Zheng. The participation of both government and industry representatives highlights a concerted effort to bridge policy and investment in the agricultural sector.
Focus on Food Security and Investment
A central theme of the meetings was activating capital to bolster food security, not just implementing policy changes. Discussions at the APEC Policy Partnership on Food Security centered on practical strategies to strengthen supply chains and support both farmers and consumers. According to Tim Heasley, Partner at Artesian, “Many economies are still learning how to engage investors and structure public–private partnerships, and they are looking for practical models to channel investment into startups and technologies that boost agricultural resilience.” This suggests a growing recognition that addressing food security requires more than just governmental action. it demands significant private sector investment and innovative financial models.
Julie Bird, Chair of Hort Innovation, emphasized the success of Australia’s Research and Development Corporation (RDC) model, stating, “Australia’s RDC model demonstrates what’s possible when producers and government co-invest.” She noted significant interest from other APEC economies in how this partnership approach translates research into tangible impacts, strengthening competitiveness, sustainability, and confidence within agri-food systems. This model, which combines public funding with industry contributions, appears to be gaining traction as a potential blueprint for other nations.
Sustainable Practices in Oceans, Fisheries, and Forestry
Beyond food security, the delegation engaged in discussions surrounding sustainable practices in other critical sectors. Through the APEC Oceans and Fisheries Working Group, officials contributed to conversations on fostering sustainable growth, advancing innovation for responsible resource use, and enhancing economic integration. Simultaneously, participation in the APEC Experts Group on Illegal Logging and Associated Trade (EGILAT) demonstrated Australia’s commitment to combating illegal logging and promoting trade in legally harvested forest products. This aligns with ongoing Australian efforts to ensure responsible forestry practices.
The meetings also addressed the broader economic context, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasizing the need for openness, innovation, and cooperation amidst rising global economic uncertainty. As reported by APEC, Minister Wang underscored the importance of strengthening macroeconomic policy coordination and upholding open regionalism.
Looking Ahead to APEC Leaders’ Week
The Australian delegation’s participation in these initial meetings sets the stage for continued engagement throughout 2026. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry looks forward to further APEC meetings, culminating in APEC Leaders’ Week in November. These ongoing discussions are expected to further refine strategies for collaboration and innovation, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and resilient Asia-Pacific region.
The outcomes of these meetings signal a growing consensus on the need for integrated approaches to address complex challenges. The emphasis on public-private partnerships, sustainable practices, and regional cooperation suggests a proactive approach to fostering economic growth and stability in the face of global uncertainties.
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