Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman will promote trade opportunities for Western Australian wine, food and fibre during a nine-day visit to China.

Mr Redman said China was the State’s second biggest market for agricultural products and exciting opportunities existed to boost exports to the growing economy.

“During the past five years, China has experienced some of the fastest rates of economic growth in the world,” he said.

“This market holds great growth potential and given our proximity to China, we need to take advantage of the opportunities it presents for WA farmers and industry.”

WA’s agriculture and fisheries exports to China and Hong Kong are valued at about $826million annually, led by bulk commodities such as wool, barley and wheat.

The Minister said China’s growing middle class had led to rising demand for specialist products such as gourmet foods, wine, lamb and dairy.

“This State already has a solid reputation as a supplier of food, fibre and forestry products to China and I am keen to position WA as a key supplier of premium agrifood products to the market,” he said.

During the trip, from June 26 to July 4, the delegation will meet senior government representatives and business leaders in Shanghai and Beijing as well as Zhejiang, Shandong and Liaoning provinces.

Mr Redman will also represent the State Government in official functions, including the Shanghai World Expo 2010 and Celebrate WA luncheon.

“It is hoped that a WA presence at the World Expo will act as a catalyst to further promote our agrifood sector in Shanghai,” he said.

The Minister will meet leading researchers from the Zheijang Department of Agriculture and Zheijang University to explore research links in wheat, barley and lupins which could help facilitate future grain trade.