scene of the meeting

Hua Junduo, China's commissioner general for World Expo 2010, presents Expo mascot to Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke.

Australia views the 2010 World Expo as an "opportunity" to showcase the country to the world and to deepen Sino-Australian ties, visiting Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke told the organizer today.

Burke said the delegation was excited to learn about the progress of the 2010 event and was impressed by its scale. Australia is ready to display its strength in industries such as food during the Expo, he said.

Hua Junduo, China's commissioner general for World Expo 2010, said the organizer is "grateful" as Australia was one of the first countries that signed a participation contract and started construction on its pavilion.

He believes the country's pavilion will be one of the most brilliant. Hua hoped Expo 2010 could serve as a platform pushing forward Sino-Australia cooperation as Australia is a country with rich mineral resources and advanced food technology.

Tom Connor, Australia's Consul General in Shanghai, Dene Yeaman, Australia's Deputy Consul General in Shanghai, and businessmen from Australia were also at the meeting.

The delegation was briefed on Expo preparations as well as other issues regarding accommodation and traffic. They visited the Expo site.

Editor: Echo Hu