By Xiao Wu, video by Xingchen Yue, iChongqing news.

Chongqing - On the morning of May 10, the Australia – China (Chongqing) Economic and Trade Forum took place in the Foreign Affairs Office of Chongqing Municipal People’s Government. The Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries of Queensland, Mr. Mark Furner, led the Australian business delegation that consists of 19 food and beverage companies to attend the Forum. The conference brought together the delegation and the local business groups to seek cooperation opportunities.

“It is the largest Australian food and beverage delegation to Southwest China So far.” Said Mr. Christopher Lim, the Australian Consul-General in Chengdu, during the opening speech.

Chongqing has developed positive business ties with Australia. Looking back at 2018, the import and export volume between Chongqing and Australia reaches 12.7 billion yuan, an increase of 5.6%. Australia is Chongqing’s 8th largest trading partner. Investment of both directions amounts to USD 110 million.

The companies in the business delegation cover the fields such as seafood, beef, non- dairy ice cream, nuts and various spices and wine.

"The trade opportunities between Queensland and Chongqing are endless"

Chongqing and Brisbane of Queensland are sister cities. The two cooperate well in various fields such as science, education, dance, agriculture. The Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries of Queensland, Mr. Mark Furner, took the interview with iChongqing after the Forum to share his thoughts on the cooperation between Queensland and Chongqing.

“The trade opportunities between Queensland and Chongqing are endless. We have a variety of clean, green and sustainable production of beef, seafood, sugar, sorghum, mung beans, mandarin… There are a variety of opportunities that are open for investment in trade opportunities in agriculture.” Said Mr. Furner positively. He also invited Chongqing governmental and business delegations to Queensland to see what the land has in the offer.

Mr. Furner told iChongqing about his excitement at seeing Chongqing as an advanced logistic center in Southwest China. “I am very excited about what Chongqing is doing in respect to the logistic infrastructure along Belt and Road. I will be going back to Queensland, engaging with my government and explaining what the prospects are in regards to what Chongqing and China are doing in general.” Said Mr. Furner.

At the question of the impression on Chongqing, Mr. Furner said, “It’s my first time to Chongqing. The people are friendly and warm and wish to engage with you. People want to learn more about Australia and Queensland. I’m very privileged to be here and I’m looking forward to coming back again.”