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Thursday, 7 April 2011

One of China's most senior and influential officials has visited The University of Western Australia's Centre for Energy as part of an Australian visit to promote bilateral relations.

His Excellency Mr Jia Qinglin, Chairman of the 11 th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, was in Perth on the first leg of a six-day trip in which he will meet Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Foreign Affairs Minister Kevin Rudd as well as West Australian Premier Colin Barnett and WA Governor Ken Michael and tour Rio Tinto's Operations Centre at Perth airport.

At UWA's Centre for Energy, Chairman Jia met the University's Chancellor Dr Michael Chaney, Vice-Chancellor Professor Alan Robson and Centre for Energy Director Winthrop Professor Dongke Zhang.

Professor Robson said UWA had many vital collaborative projects with important universities and tertiary institutions in China.

"These range from addressing the challenges of our two nations' ageing populations to research in energy," he said.  "Our University regards international agreements and collaborations as a fundamental opportunity to enhance our educational programs and research capacity, as well as strengthening important international partnerships."

The Centre for Energy at UWA is a dedicated centre for world-class energy research and sustainable development.  It works with leading companies, institutions and government agencies and UWA's Energy and Minerals Institute to improve gas to liquid, clean coal and biofuel technology and to develop efficient and effective ways to minimise greenhouse gas and other emissions.

The Centre's overall aim is to develop new knowledge and advanced technologies for efficient, effective and environmentally friendly utilisation of fuels and energy in the resources industries.

Media references

Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716

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