The ACBC has had a packed program recently, capturing major networking opportunities with state and federal government ministers as well as key Chinese companies and government agencies, writes ACBC Chairman Frank Tudor.
In cooperation with the Federal Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, ACBC is delighted to have led a major mining and resources delegation to Beijing and Tianjin, accompanying Federal Minister for Resources, Energy and Tourism the Hon Martin Ferguson on his visit between November 3 and 8, 2011.
The delegation attended a range of high-level networking events including the Investing in Australian Resources Seminar in Beijing on November 3, 2011, the China Mining Congress and Expo as well as the ACBC Energy and Resources Cooperation Gala Dinner in Tianjin on November 6.
The delegation drew more than 60 companies from throughout the length and breadth of Australia’s diverse energy and resources sectors. In addition to Minister Ferguson, a range of state and territory ministers from New South Wales, South Australia and the Northern Territory will be participating at events throughout the program.
This delegation was the ACBC’s second to China this year, following on from the successful delegation of 150 companies that were part of the 2nd Australia China Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum to coincide with Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s inaugural visit to China.
NSW Premier’s Address to the ACBC
The Premier of New South Wales, the Hon. Barry O’Farrell, fulfilled his promise to the Australia China Business Council that if he won election, he would firstly visit China and secondly would come to the ACBC to outline his government’s policy agenda for ramping up the state’s engagement with China.
Before a packed audience of over 300 Australian and Chinese business leaders in Sydneyin September, including the Chinese Deputy Consul General in Sydney Liu Kan; Jeremy Mitchell, Director of Corporate & Public Affairs, Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific, Huawei; Dr Michael Spence, Vice Chancellor Of Sydney University; Ian Murray, Director of the Australian Export Institute; Karen Lanyon, State Director DFAT and President of ACBC NSW Jim Harrowell AM, the Premier emphasised the importance of the expanding business ties between New South Wales and China and the success of his recent visit to China.
*Mr O’Farrell pictured right with ACBC NSW President Jim Harrowell AM.
The Premier provided details of the commercial outcomes of the NSW mission valued at over US$ 50 million. While these results were positive first steps, the Premier stressed the importance of China to the NSW economy would require more than just one visit by a Premier. The NSW government needed to actively engage in building the relationships, its knowledge base and its reputation in China in a way that could help business to realise trade and investment opportunities. The Premier saw the need to advance Australia’s key complementarities beyond the major Eastern growth zones and into second tier and third tier cities and regions.
China National Day Dinner
More than 600 people attended the ACBC WA Branch’s flagship networking dinner in Perth to celebrate the 62nd anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China on 22 September 2011. The theme of the evening was the Year of Chinese Culture in Australia and combined high-level policy speeches from governments and companies with a range of cultural performances. Photos and a video from the event will be available on our website.
ACBC Special Dinner with Federal Treasury Secretary Dr Martin Parkinson PSM
In October, the Australia China Business Council hosted a special dinner in Sydney for the new Secretary of the Federal Treasury Dr Martin Parkinson PSM. Dr Parkinson spoke on a range of issues related to the bilateral relationship and provided insights from the Treasury’s perspective regarding the prospects for Sino-Australian terms of trade over the medium to long term.
ACBC Members were especially interested in the work of the Treasury China Policy Unit and its work with key Chinese political and financial institutions as it seeks to further broaden Australia’s engagement with China across the spheres of government.
A range of companies, as well as government officials from both sides of the bilateral relationship were in attendance including the Bank of China, China Construction Bank, the Bank of Communications, Shenhua Energy, Huawei Technologies, Qantas Airways, EG Funds Management as well as representatives from Austrade and the Chinese Embassy and Consulate-General in Sydney.
A copy of the Secretary’s speech will be made available on the ACBC website.Â
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For more information on the ACBC visit: www.acbc.com.au
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