China to draw on Denmark's dairy experience

BEIJING - China will draw on Denmark's dairy experience to promote the development of domestic dairy industry, the Ministry of Agriculture said Saturday.

China and Denmark will launch in-depth cooperation in the dairy industry by jointly establishing a dairy technology center. China will also introduce Denmark's pasture management system and dairy professionals, according to the ministry.

A slew of Chinese and Danish companies had signed cooperation agreements during President Hu Jintao's visit to the Nordic country from Thursday to Saturday.

The agreements included an investment pact signed between Danish-Swedish dairy producer Arla Foods and Mengniu Dairy Company, a unit of Cofco Corporation, China's largest food manufacturer and trader.

According to the deal, Arla Foods will invest 2.2 billion HK dollars ($283.5 million) for a 5.9-percent stake in Mengniu, according to a statement on the Cofco's website.

Arla Foods will get involved in Mengniu's daily operations, send professionals to work with Mengniu employees and help Mengniu update dairy technologies and improve its management system, Cofco Chairman Ning Gaoning said in the statement.