Heidi Dugan has been doing her TV show since 2002. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"We have had some of the most amazing Michelin star restaurants on the show," said Dugan. "A lot of the local Chinese chef became more prominent in the level of cooking on an international scale, whether it was Chinese food or Western food."

She believed that with China's development, an increasing number of Chinese people got the chance to travel overseas, and Chinese people could enjoy more imported food, with the availability of different ingredients.

"Travel, exposure to other chef, exposure to new ingredient but ultimately it's about the diner that is expecting better food," she said."The local person goes abroad to eat different food. When they come back to their home country, they then go to these restaurants and want great food in Shanghai."

At the same time, many elderly people feel the need to learn a foreign language.

"It means they could communicate with their children and their children's children who are learning English at school," she said. They also like talking to foreigners."They are very helpful and friendly. When I am walking in the street they would come up to me just to say hello. They like to have a chat and ... they also encourage their little kids to speak to foreign kids."

About five years ago Dugan started as a volunteer to teach the seniors English. Also about that time she began doing consulting for companies going to China.

In spite of the twists and turns of relationship between China and Australia, Dugan said she always saw the interest of Australian companies going to China.

"Seeing the successful companies that I bring in and help grow in China, many other people will look and say 'well, I want to do that too', and they will be interested in coming into China as well."

Admitting that there is misunderstanding among many in Australia, she noted that people's perceptions could change only after they really know about China.

"The more that people travel, the more they understand not only the culture but also people around the world," she said."It's very difficult at the moment, but ... I am not worried."

"Having a friendship between the two countries is the most important thing for individuals like myself," she said."The way that we can help is to increase understanding."

Xinhua