Australia could take a leaf out of China’s book with its five-year planning methods, writes Carl Jetter.
In my view, the economic success of China’s recent 30 years is in part related to its political system of planning in five-year implementations, which in turn provides stability within the one party system. Compare this to Australia – with its many layers of state and federal governments, which often serve out short-term stints of two to three to four year terms and often put party interests ahead of state and national interests, or in the case of China policy, not always what is in the best interest of the Australian-Chinese business community.
What concerns me, as an active member of the Australian-Chinese business community, is a tendency at both state and federal levels, to ignore, or even reverse, good activities from the previous governing party for the sake of political grandstanding. Furthermore, some of our political parties, when in government, don’t seem to have the belief or understanding in the benefits of directly or indirectly supporting their business community, particularly in connection with our Chinese business relationships.
My comments relate to observing the ongoing turnover of government and various ministers and advisers, who then require new introductions and information about our well- established business relationships with China. They in turn, more often than not, make decisions in line with their party directions, which is not always in line with the needs of our business community and our China relations.
One need only look at Victoria, which has led the way in attracting sustainability projects in China through its AUS cluster of architectural, engineering and design firms, and a 30-year relationship building on key partnerships with Chinese party officials through its Jiangsu sister city relationship. It is pleasing to see the new Baillieu government continuing to build on this wonderful existing relationship.
Not to ignore the great efforts and valuable work that we have witnessed during the past five years by the Laurie Smith and Christopher Wright team on behalf of Austrade in China and North East Asia. I hope that Austrade’s planned restructuring and new directions will continue to build on Austrade’s longstanding China successes, to the benefit of many Australian businesses.
The Chinese political one party system is far from perfect and has its weaknesses, yet the regular five-year plans offer a stability and support to China’s business structure, which benefits long-term business strategies.
China is an integral part of Australia’s economic long-term future and is going to remain so for many years to come. Australia would do well to have long-term plans in place at all levels of government in Australia to ensure we have positioned ourselves in the best way possible to capitalise on all the marvellous opportunities this great relationship has to offer.
Carl Jetter, Publisher, Australia China Connections ■
