Courtesy visit from the Ambassador of Australia with the Governor (October 21st )
H.E. Mr. McLean, the Ambassador of Australia visited a flour company and a frozen noodle company in Kagawa in order to inspect ASW (Australian flour) which is one of the ingredients in Sanuki Udon. He had udon for lunch. During the courtesy visit, he commented that he understands the reason why people come all the way to Kagawa just to eat Sanuki Udon.
The Governor touched on the topic of the traditional beauty and contemporary art in Kagawa and spoke about Naoshima, where H.E. Mr. McLean stayed overnight, citing that its population is about 3,400, but about 340,000 people visit Naoshima each year. The Ambassador enjoyed the works in Chichu Museum there. He expressed his hope to come to Naoshima again for Setouchi International Art Festival 2010.
The Ambassador said that the quality of Japanese agricultural products is high but Japan has to import food because the food self-sufficiency ratio is about 40%. He would like to enhance the close relationship between exporting traders and importing traders, developing new agricultural products in addition to ASW, which has been developed for Sanuki Udon, improving traceability and strengthening quality management at the same time.
The Ambassador said that the quality of Japanese agricultural products is high but Japan has to import food because the food self-sufficiency ratio is about 40%. He would like to enhance the close relationship between exporting traders and importing traders, developing new agricultural products in addition to ASW, which has been developed for Sanuki Udon, improving traceability and strengthening quality management at the same time.
The Governor mentioned that beef which most suits Japanese taste is being produced in Australia.
A commemorative photo was taken at the end.
