Australia Fresh strengthens ties with China
“Our strong trade relationships with the horticulture industry in China are consolidated year upon year with trade visits by Australia Fresh industry members. Our two countries have consistently worked together to support the horticultural industry, and we are delighted to continue this relationship,” said Agnes Barnard, Australia Fresh Program Director.
Denise Guo, Peter McPherson (ABGA), Mr Feng Chunguang (AQSIQ), Mr Chen Hongjun (AQSIQ), Mr Wang Jun (CIQA) John Moore, Agnes Barnard, Mr Ge Zhirong (President-CIQA), Phil Webley (CGA), Jeff Scott, Claire Fitchett, Mr Bao Junkai (CIQA), Madame Guo (CIQA), John Tyas, Mr Cheng Gang (CIQA), Bin Lu
Australia Fresh Friendship Banquet
An Australia Fresh Friendship Banquet was held during the China visit to celebrate years of China-Australia cooperation in horticulture, with honoured guests Mr Ge Zhirong, President of the China Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Association (CIQA), Mr Bao Junkai (Secretary General- CIQA), Mr Chen Hongjun, Deputy Director General of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People’s Republic of China (AQSIQ), Madame Guo (Senior Researcher - CIQA), Mr Feng Chunguang (Biosecurity - AQSIQ), Mr Wang Jun (CIQA Shenzhen), and Mr Cheng Gang (CIQA). Many industry members attended the Banquet, with the feeling amongst the attendees that it was a reunion amongst friends.
In his speech, President Ge Zhirong made it clear to Australia Fresh industry members how impressed they have been with measures members have been taking to improve production efficiencies among the local avocado, grape, cherry, apple and summerfruit industries in China. AQSIQ also spoke of their commitment to assist Australian fruit access applications to China.
Successful trade meetings
Australia Fresh industry members had the opportunity to meet with Mr Wu Hao, the Deputy Director of Biosecurity Division AQSIQ during this trade visit, who welcomed ‘old friends’ back to China and briefed industry members on positive developments of Australian fruit access into China.
Australia Fresh Program Director Agnes Barnard was also given the opportunity to present a snapshot of the Australian fruit trade into China at the China Fresh Forum 2014. In attendance were key Chinese importers, Chinese government representatives including AQSIQ Deputy Director of Biosecurity Division Mr Wu Hao, and other trade show representatives.
“We have long recognised the need for the Australian horticulture industry to present itself collaboratively to China, and have been working towards this end with our Chinese friends”, said Ms Barnard. “We look forward to a long and successful trading relationship.”
Collaboration between China and Australia
This long-term Australia Fresh program with China is hailed as part of a montage of collaborative initiatives that has been secured by the landmark China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA), signed by Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng and Australian Trade and Investment Minister Andrew Robb in the presence of Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Brisbane G20 summit. ChAFTA, when signed in 2015, will work to mutually benefit both countries and secure significant gains for China and Australia.