In 1972, few could have foreseen the scale and pace of China’s transformation over the coming decades, nor the trajectory of our bilateral relations. China is now Australia’s largest trading partner, our biggest export market and import source and more visitors and students come to Australia from China than from any other nation.

 

As we celebrate this anniversary, the challenge for the future is to build on this enviable platform and continue moving forward together. Complacency, arising from the windfall bestowed on us by China’s demand for our natural resources, must not be allowed to overshadow the need to strive to build an even deeper level of engagement with China.

 

Government can provide the policy settings and framework to encourage and support deepening engagement, but it is clear that businesses must also continue to act proactively in shaping the future opportunities.

 

Australian businesses have long had an international outlook and have trail blazed the opening up of new markets and the forging of new relationships. Now more than ever is the time for that international outlook and entrepreneurial spirit to fly high again.

 

Within our AustCham membership we see innovative Australian companies, large and small, stepping up their efforts and shifting their focus to China. Not only are they bringing know-how, ideas and the energy to build new businesses, but adapting their strategies to the emerging changes being brought about by the changing global order.

 

For those companies that do their homework, who are responsive the emerging risks and opportunities and who invest in developing important business and personal relationships, the future looks good indeed.

 

AustCham Beijing looking to the future

 

In the year ahead, AustCham Beijing is committed to renewing and reinvigorating the organisation to serve the interests of the Australian business community in China.

 

We are putting more resources and effort into the changing needs of our members. Our core business offering remains the same – the provision of professional, high quality and value for money member services, outstanding networking opportunities and fun social events. But this year, as we embrace the AustCham Greater China platform, we will do more to ensure that Australians and Australian businesses in China have a “seat at the table” when it comes to contributing to key discussions about issues affecting business in and with China.

 

Whether it is around local issues such the new social security laws and market entry barriers, or around big picture issues surrounding Australia’s role in the Asian Century, we will seek to undertake an enhanced thought leadership and advocacy role – with more emphasis on submissions, white papers, consultations and an increasing media presence.

 

We are committed to making AustCham truly the “voice of Australian business in China.”

 

We seek your active input on our new direction. Now is not the time to stand back and watch – it is a time for all Australian businesses to fly the flag for Australia. For existing members we urge you to make the most of your membership – come along to our monthly networking events, join one of our industry groups and sign up for our exciting calendar of events. For potential members, drop by our office, or call one of our directors, and have a chat about ways in which we can help you to succeed in China.

 

Recent AustCham activities

 

We welcomed the Minister for Resources, Energy and Tourism, Hon. Martin Ferguson AM, MP, and the Treasury Secretary, Dr Martin Parkinson, who both met with local AustCham members to discuss China’s business operating environment. A Queensland trade delegation also joined the AustCham Food & Agribusiness Working Group to explore opportunities for two-way investments between China and Australia. The annual Australia-China Business Awards were held, with Hong Kong hosting, to honour the achievements of Australian businesses across Greater China.

 

AustCham Beijing has continued to engage with young professionals and students. In November, we hosted an Australia-China Young Professional Initiative in conjunction with the Australia-China Youth Association on entrepreneurial endeavours in China. In December, we held the annual Australian Education Fair “Study in Australia” to brief Chinese students on their Australia study experience.

 

AustCham Beijing would also like to congratulate the eight 2012 AustCham China Scholarship winners who will soon take up their placements with eight leading Australian companies in China. This successful programme is now in its second year and AustCham Beijing encourages all interested member companies to get onboard for 2013.

 

Finally, AustCham Beijing wrapped up 2011 with a spectacular AustCham Christmas Kooka, a night enjoyed by young and old featuring delectable meat pies, festive desserts and plenty of Christmas cheer. ■

 

For more information visit: www.austcham.org