September 29, 2006

China, Australia seek greater cooperation in agriculture

China hopes to cooperate with Australia in the field of dairy cow breeding and in efforts to prevent bird flu. On Sep 26, China's agriculture Minister Du Qinglin met his Australian counterpart Peter McGauran and both sides proceeded to exchange views on a range of issues, including agricultural cooperation and free trade in agricultural products.

China had imported large numbers of high quality dairy cow and breeder sheep from Australia, a move that has helped to boost China's dairy industry's development, Du said.

The Chinese agricultural minister also added that both countries should team up in a strategic partnership and pursue mutual benefits in the field of agriculture development.

Specifically, Du mentioned that China and Australia should implement programmes stated in the "Statement of Intent on Agricultural Technical Cooperation", set up a China-Australia dairy cow breeding technology training centre and cooperate in bird flu prevention research.

McGauran expressed his agreement with Du on the need for China and Australia to implement cooperation programmes at the earliest date. The Australian agricultural minister also gave his assurance on the quality of diary cows exported to China and that after sales assistance will be further improved.