China visit leads to friendship deal

A beef abattoir in Albany and the export of Great Southern grain, seafood and milk to Linyi in China are on the cards after the City of Albany signed a friendship agreement with the Chinese city.

Led by City of Albany tourism development and services manager Matt Bird and Mayor Dennis Wellington, an Albany delegation met with representatives in Linyi in Shandong province last week.

Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Rod Hedderwick was part of the delegation and said the visit was a big success.

"It's a very good investment in economic development by the City - it's a great start of stage two of the relationship with Linyi," he said.

Mr Hedderwick said Chinese representatives expressed interest in investing in a beef abattoir.

He said they were also interested in Albany's potential to export oysters and abalone, wheat and other cereals and quality milk.

"We have a large resource base in terms of agricultural capacity and magnetite," he said.

"We could help address their food security and food supply issues."

Mr Hedderwick said student exchange opportunities were discussed and Mr Bird addressed wine and tourism prospects.

The group met with high-level Government officials, the chamber of commerce and visited a magnetite mine, a fertiliser factory, a furniture factory and a pork abattoir that employed 30,000 people.

Mr Hedderwick said the extent of development in Linyi in the past 20 years was astounding.

Albany Port Authority business development manager Simon Fretton said he explained to representatives how goods were exported and imported through the port.

"They indicated they might be interested in buying Australian grain, which could open up another area of China for shipments," he said.

"I'm now going to contact a couple of people in Linyi who expressed interest in the port."

A Linyi delegation was hosted by Wignall Wines owner Rob Wignall and Trevelen Farm Wines owner John Sprigg in December.

CBH Group's William Piercey, Great Southern Grammar's Richard Baird and an interpreter were also part of the group.