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Australia signs wine trading contract with China

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-04-17 18:55

Australia has signed two memoranda of understandings (MOU) this week to improve local wine access to markets in China, including Hong Kong, Agriculture Minister Tony Burke said on Friday.

Related readings:  Australia signs up for 'wine hub' campaign  China imports more wine on high demand  Hong Kong to establish itself as wine center in Asia

"In a country the size of China, a single window to government will make it easier for the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation to help exporters ship wine to this important market," Burke said in a statement.

Burke has signed the contract during his visit to Chinese mainland and then Hong Kong.

According to Burke, the agreements will give wine producers a simplified, improved access to both markets, addressing issues including certification and labeling.

The Hong Kong memoranda of understanding (MOU) would also help lift Australia's wine profile in Hong Kong, Burke said.

In the 12 months to March 2009, wine exports to China, Australia's largest Asian wine market, has totaled A$81.2 million.

China is Australia's eighth largest wine export market by volume and fifth largest by value.