Minister and Queensland Chef share recipe for success with Shanghai

Take Queensland's fresh and diverse produce; add a world-class chef; mix well with Chinese business and government leaders; season to taste and serve in an international city.

This is the recipe for a lunch hosted today by Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin in Shanghai on the second day of Queensland Week during World Expo 2010.

Mr Mulherin today said he hoped Queensland's food promotion 'Taste Queensland' would draw strong attention in China to Queensland's top quality food.

"Today, our Queensland Ambassador Chef David Pugh put together a magnificent meal that showcased the excellence of Queensland food," the Minister said.

"Mr Pugh featured Queensland ingredients in the menu including beef, seafood and, macadamia nuts, accompanied by Queensland wine.

"Our guests included senior representatives of the Shanghai government, food industry representatives as well a s other industry sectors.

"Queensland is a global leader in the supply of competitively priced, quality food products, ingredients and wine.

"I am delighted that the Australian pavilion is using a variety of Queensland food products, not just for the Taste Queensland event but all through the duration of the Expo."

The Minister said the Queensland Government welcomed interest from China in forming business partnerships with the state's agribusiness sector.

"Latest trade data shows that China has grown to become Queensland's second largest trading partner," he said.

"China continues to be a market priority for a range of Queensland food products.

"Last financial year Queensland exported $458 million worth of food and fibre to China.

"Queensland's beef cattle comprise almost half of Australia's cattle and we are starting to increase our market share in China.

"We also recently released outcomes from our mango seas on, which showed a 958% increase in Queensland mango exports to China.

"Thanks to improved market access protocols, we hope to further boost our exports and improve our supply chain networks in China.

"Our state offers reliability and uncompromised quality in the supply of its food products and ingredients, which is our competitive advantage."

Queensland has taken out platinum partnership of the Australian Pavilion to raise awareness of Queensland, develop business networks and promote industry strengths in China.

For more information about Queensland's participation at Expo visit www.qld.gov.au/worldexpo2010.