Australian milk could improve Chinese standard of living

Victoria's expertise in agriculture, dairy, animal husbandry, manufacturing, clean coal technology, services and biotechnology could lead to China becoming the state's top trading partner within the next few years, the Consul-General of the People's Republic of China in Melbourne, Mr Liang Shugen, will told a symposium on Friday 12 May.

Mr Liang says Victoria possesses all the expertise relevant to China's 11th Five Year Plan.

"One of Premier Wen Jiabao's biggest concerns for the Chinese people is raising their standard of living," he says. "To do this, he would like to ensure they drink 500 grams of milk a day. The implication for Victoria's dairy industry is self-evident."

Mr Liang discussed China's 11th Five Year Plan at the 'Australia-China interface in the global economy: Partnering for Success -- Through Chinese eyes' symposium.

The symposium is a joint initiative of Monash's Faculty of Business and Economics and the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Melbourne.