AUSTRALIA has repeated its commitment to resume live animal exports to Bahrain.

The Cabinet earlier approved a Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs Ministry report calling for a new deal between the trading partners.

It aims to tackle shortages Bahrain has suffered since August last year when it turned away 21,000 sheep due to health concerns.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) drafted by Australia has been delivered to the Bahraini authorities for their approval but it could take months before a decision is made.

The GDN earlier revealed Bahrain’s National Assembly and MPs will not begin discussing the agreement until next month.

“Australian exporters are keen to restart the trade to Bahrain,” said Meat and Livestock Australia livestock exports manager Peter Dundon.

“Australia has exported healthy, high quality livestock to Bahrain for nearly 30 years.”

Having lived in Bahrain for five years and worked closely with Bahrain’s industry and government, Mr Dundon understands the significance of Australia’s reliable supply of livestock to the country.

“Many of our Bahraini friends and customers are looking forward to getting the trade back on track and restarting imports as soon as possible,” he said.

“The Australian government has provided a revised MoU to the Bahraini government and as soon as an agreement is reached, both governments will be in a position to sign the deal and steps can be taken to resume exports from Australia.

“We’re hoping this can happen before the end of
the year.”

Following a series of meat shortages, Bahrain has had to rely more on chilled and frozen meat although the local preference is live animals that are locally slaughtered.

“I know resumption of the trade will be warmly welcomed by the people of Bahrain who are looking forward to buying locally processed fresh Australian meat in the Manama wholesale market again,” said Mr Dundon.