Last week’s Nanning delegation visit has given one local distiller a “foot in the door” to the Chinese export market.
The delegation, consisting of more than 30 representatives of agriculture, arts and culture, trade and government sectors, were in the region at the invitation of Bundaberg Regional Council to celebrate Chinese New Year.
Kalki Moon owner and distiller Rick Prosser said he had set himself the goal of breaching the Chinese market this year however the task was made much easier when seven of the delegation members visited his distillery.
“It’s a big opportunity just to get a foot in the door over there,” Mr Prosser said.
“I had some base spirit ready and had the botanicals laid out for them so they could see how the recipe is made first-hand.
“That way they could see it, touch it and smell the botanicals and they could recognise some of them from the Chinese market.”
Mr Prosser said the delegation appreciated the opportunity to meet his family and hear about his family owned business.
Mr Prosser was invited to visit China and he intends to take up the offer.
Nanning relationship
Mayor Jack Dempsey said as the Sister City relationship continued to grow stronger so too did the benefits generated for the community.
“It is very rewarding to see Nanning representatives take the opportunity to engage with local businesses while in the region,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“Nanning’s population sits at around 7.5 million which offers an exceptional investment opportunity for our high quality agricultural produce and export-ready goods.”
“The visits fuel a two-way interaction and it was of benefit to the delegation to be exposed to our production potential with trips to citrus, macadamia and seafood enterprises while growers met the delegation.”
Chinese New Year
Mayor Dempsey said the weekend’s Chinese New Year celebrations also highlighted the benefits of ongoing educational and cultural exchanges.
“The Bundaberg CQUniversity Campus values its growing connection with Nanning in the area of tertiary education with enrolments of students from Nanning.
“The university is engaged with the Sister City program and is a welcome partner in supporting the annual Chinese New Year program of events.”
