Food companies find room to grow in Australia, NZ

Free trade pacts offer favorable policies for expansion, investment as appetite for higher-protein food grows

Companies based in China are investing in Australia and New Zealand's agricultural sectors as they pursue a larger foothold in these lucrative markets through favorable policies offered by bilateral free trade agreements.

As China and Australia announced the practical conclusion of negotiations on an FTA in November, the new trade agreement has benefited Australia's agriculture and services industries in particular, as well as leading to growth in Chinese investment in the country.