Leon Bignell, South Australian minister for agriculture, food and fisheries, had a chance to talk with Liu Mingjun, deputy mayor of the city of Qingdao, Eastern China's Shandong province, on March 12.

Leon Bignell, South Australian minister for agriculture, food and fisheries, talks with Liu Mingjun, deputy mayor of Qingdao, Shandong province, on March 12. [Photo/qdbofcom.gov.cn]

Liu warmly welcomed the South Australian delegation and discussed Qingdao's economic and social development. Qingdao and South Australia have enjoyed increased cooperation and exchanges since the two parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) concerning an economic partnership in September 2013. Liu said he hopes the two sides could strengthen collaboration in trade of wine, agricultural products, seafood as well as beef and mutton.

Bignell reinforced this by saying that Qingdao was one of the important economic partners for South Australia. He also said that the Australian government will lead a delegation to Shandong province in May this year to promote the bilateral relationship.