Dr. Raby - Ambassador of Australia

Q1. You are regarded as Australia's most senior trade official, and people are saying that your appointment as Ambassador to China reflects the great importance Australia attaches to its relationship with China. What is your view?

Q2. Kevin Rudd has attracted great interest since he took office as Australian Prime Minister because he is the first Mandarin speaking leader of a Western country. Some people say Sino-Australian relations have entered a new era. What positive changes do you think Mr Rudd has brought to Sino-Australian relations?

Q3. The financial crisis is shaking the whole world. As an economist, how do you think the financial crisis has affected Australia? What steps has the Australian government taken to In order to minimize the impact of the financial crisis?

Q4. The world's major economic powers are considering what to do about the economic crisis. As an economist, what role do you think Australia and China can play? How important is it for Australia and China to boost cooperation in combating the crisis?

Q5. The two countries have given a high priority to energy and resources cooperation, but rising prices of primary products have become a major problem in recent years. How should we deal with the problem of commodity prices in our future cooperation?

Q6. China and Australia issued a joint statement in 2007, pledging to work together to address climate change and energy issues, and made particular reference to cooperation in the research of clean coal technology. Has any progress been made on this front?

Q7. In economic terms China and Australia complement each other. In what areas would Australia welcome Chinese investment?

Q8. You have worked in China since the 1980s. How have Australians' impressions of China changed over that period?

Q9. You have been called the "Wine Ambassador," and are known as an expert on wine. Could you tell us something about Australian wine?

(China.org.cn November 28, 2008)