http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/chinas-bright-food-execs...

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/chinas-bright-food-execs-promote-bid/story-e6frg8zx-1225863819613

A DELEGATION from China's Bright Food Group, led by vice-president Ge Junjie, kept a low profile during a week-long visit to Australia to drum up support for the company's $1.75 billion offer for CSR's sugar and renewable energy business.

Mr Ge, who led a group of about five officials from Shanghai, negotiated with CSR officials before visiting Canberra to meet government officials, then visited Brisbane and Mackay for talks with Canegrowers Australia and Queensland Sugar.

"We are very pleased that important stakeholders such as the canegrowers and government officials have made time to meet with us," Mr Ge said before flying home yesterday.

"We have taken the opportunity to put our case to them and assure them of the benefits that will flow if we are successful in acquiring Sucrogen" (the sugar and renewable energy business).

"Our intention is to continue to develop Sucrogen, expand the area currently under cane and fund future capital expenditure necessary to achieve this.



"Bright Food recognises the importance to Sucrogen of its canegrowers and will work with them during our ongoing discussions with CSR.

"We understand that the current market-based pricing arrangements are a key issue for stakeholders."

Mr Ge reiterated that the current arrangement with Queensland Sugar would be retained for at least five years.

It is understood that Mr Ge pointed out to federal and state government officials that Bright Food was keen to invest in other sectors, including wine, dairy, nutrition and health. An informed source said the delegation decided to keep a low profile as it did not want to "rock the boat".