She was launching her new strategy for engagement with China, while visiting Beijing, when she described Victoria’s agricultural production.
“Victoria is just three per cent of the Australian landmass, but we produce 27 per cent of Australian food and fibre export value,” Ms Allan said.
“Whether it’s our Goulburn (Valley) fruit or our Gippsland beef, our brand is fine, fresh and premium, and it’s found a market in China — a land so renowned for its food.
Ms Allan also mentioned the holiday opportunities for Chinese travellers in country Victoria.
“Chinese travellers stay twice as long, and they spend twice as much,” she said.
“They get a real taste of Melbourne — the coffee, the culture — and then head out to regional Victoria for our wine and our wildlife.
“My China strategy has a goal: in five years’ time, we want one in every five international visitors to Victoria to come from China.
“And we want more of those Chinese visitors seeing the regions, where they will be welcomed with open arms.”
Ms Allan made several references to her home city of Bendigo, and the history of Chinese migration, including a description of the Chinese dragon which makes its appearance annually in the city.
The Premier is visiting China to promote trade and cultural exchanges.
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