Australia’s Rural Mayors Told To Head To Asia

MELBOURNE, Sept 3 (Bernama) -- Mayors in Australia's rural regions have been urged to head to Asia to attract investment opportunities to Australia. Regional Australia Institute Chief Executive Jack Archer said it was important rural local councils did more to engage with Asia directly because agencies like Austrade didn't have enough resources to represent particular regions. "We've got great produce, we're clean and green, but so are a lot of other countries. "It's going to take a real proactive effort to make sure the opportunities come to Australia," Archer told the Australian Associated Press. Some rural mayors were doing a good job, but a sophisticated strategy was needed to help others get the right resources and build the confidence needed to engage with Asian businesses, he said. A forum, being held in Canberra Thursday, on "Can Regional Australia Make It In Asia", will examine ways rural towns can tap into agriculture and tourism opportunities stemming from Asia's growing middle class and a dining boom. -- BERNAMA