South Australia welcomed a delegation of officials from Guangdong, China this month who visited the state to explore potential trade and investment opportunities and discuss potential areas of mutual research interest.
The delegation follows a successful trade mission to China in March, led by Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven, which included a meeting with the Guangdong Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
The officials, from eight Chinese organisations, visited Flinders University to exchange ideas on the expansion of seaweed cultivation before touring the South Australian Research and Development Institute’s (SARDI) West Beach facility.
SARDI is the research division of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia.
The delegation visited SARDI’s Institute of Hydrobiology and discussed possible opportunities for scientific research cooperation and heard about the team’s latest aquaculture research including topics such as seaweed and algae and restorative aquaculture.
The delegation learnt about freshwater crayfish production and trade at Kangabbie Farm SA Marron, south of Adelaide.
They travelled to Port Lincoln on Eyre Peninsula to visit the Lincoln Marine Science Centre and met with local seafood industry representatives.
Significant progress has been made at both state and federal levels to stabilise Australia’s relationship with China, with the removal of trade impediments on a range of Australian products since May last year, including coal, cotton, timber, barley and oaten hay.
In April, the South Australian Government welcomed China’s significant announcement that it was removing the tariffs on Australian wine.
China remains South Australia’s largest trading partner, with merchandise exports up 51.6 per cent to $3.6 billion – the highest figure on record.
South Australia has long enjoyed a strong relationship with China, including our sister-state relationship with Shandong Province, which is approaching 40 years.
“I am pleased this delegation from Guangdong is visiting our beautiful state to see firsthand our leading scientific research in aquaculture and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
Our delegation to China earlier this year highlighted our commitment to maintaining South Australia’s long and mutually beneficial relationship with China,” Ms Scriven said.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from each other and grow trade and investment opportunities.”
