"Expanding our export industries is a priority of the NT Government and is one of the reasons the Territory has been able to withstand the impact of the global financial crisis better than other jurisdictions," Mr Vatskalis said.

"The Territory's current live export market is focused primarily on the supply of cattle to Indonesia, which buys over 90 per cent of cattle exported from the Territory.

"The pastoral industry is vital for the Territory's economy, and the NT Government is committed to assisting the industry to prosper and grow.

"The flow-on effects to the NT economy must not be underestimated, with transporters and local feed manufacturers also benefiting from the growing export trade."

Mr Vatskalis said the NT Government was committed to not only strengthening current markets but also developing new areas for the Territory's live cattle trade.

He said the latest pastoral market figures show that in 2009 more than 288,000 Territory cattle were exported through the Port of Darwin to Indonesia. The total was up about 13,000 on the previous year.

"The NT Government will continue to support the industry through market development for the export trade to South-East Asia, research and extension services, technical services to industry and our trading partners and on-going disease surveillance, disease control and livestock identification."