Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke earlier this week announced that the Government and livestock exporters and producers would invest more than $900,000 in the projects to improve animal welfare in the major live export markets in the Middle East and South East Asia.

Mr Burke said improving the welfare of animals was crucial to support a sustainable and profitable live export trade.

The projects aim to improve post-arrival animal welfare by upgrading animal handling infrastructure and providing training to those involved in animal handling and transport in the Middle East and South East Asia.

The partnership is funding a range of improvements to upgrade and maintain animal holding and handling facilities in Malaysia, Indonesia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Training will also be provided to local animal handlers in each of the countries.

These projects were recommended for funding by the Live Trade Animal Welfare Partnership Project Advisory Committee consisting of representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the live animal export industry and an independent member.

* More information on the LTAWP is available at www.daff.gov.au/market-access-tra de/iac/live-animal-trade .