In Australia, the services sector accounts for 80 percent of GDP and employs 85 of every 100 Australians. 82 percent of Australian firms are services firms, yet only 3 percent of them are exporting. Most are small and medium sized enterprises.

 

At the same time, growth in China is bringing with it higher incomes, a growing middle class and an increase in demand for services – whether it be tourism, financial services, architecture, education, environmental, health or professional services.

 

While there are many success stories, catching the China wave is not for the faint-hearted. The barriers to services and investment trade in China are a real constraint on Australian business growth. They include for many the lack of an even playing field, lack of transparency, localisation rules, corruption and the rule of law.

 

Against this backdrop AustCham has been working hard to provide meaningful support and services to members. Working closely with the Embassy and Austrade, we are:

 

– using our newly created Government Relations and Advocacy department to put forward recommendations to both the Australian and Chinese governments for policy change; and

 

– structuring our event and networking activities to help members capitalise on the incredible opportunity provided by the demand in China for services.

 

Australia has much more to offer than only resources and minerals. Our proximity to Asia, our skills, innovative flair and entrepreneurship will be increasingly in demand by the Asian consumer.

 

Our members know this already, but the message is clear – Australian businesses need to recognise that their depth of service expertise and skills gained in the mature Australian market will bring them future growth in the fast-emerging Asian market.

 

As always, AustCham is prepared to partner with Australian businesses to assist them with embracing the opportunity for shifting our relationship into a new chapter. We have the right ideas, the right connections and relationships with government and the energy to support our members reach their goals in China.

 

40th anniversary INSIGHT

 

In June we published the third edition of the INSIGHT business journal. Copies can be downloaded from our website if you missed it.

 

This special edition commemorated the 40th anniversary of Australia and China establishing diplomatic ties, and featured articles on issues critical to the Australia China bilateral relationship as we move into the Asian Century.

 

We are now calling for contributions for the next edition of our INSIGHT journal, due to be published in November this year.  All interested contributors are encouraged to contact our Communications Director at communications@austcham.org.

 

Launch of 2012 White Paper

 

AustCham’s 2012 White Paper on Australian Financial Services Business in China was launched in May by Australian Trade Minister Craig Emerson at the China International Fair for Trade in Services. A joint effort of Beijing and Shanghai, the White Paper puts forward well researched and practical suggestions for policy reform.

 

The rollout of the paper will take place over the next few months.

 

Australian Business in China Survey

 

Another exciting initiative we are pleased to announce is that AustCham and Austrade have agreed to jointly undertake a China Business Perceptions survey, which will collect the experiences and perceptions of Australian companies and businesses operating in the dynamic and unique Chinese business environment.

 

There has to date no China-wide survey undertaken of Australian businesses operating in or with a presence in China.  We believe that the survey will provide a useful source of information for business over time and may be help for guiding government policy direction.

 

 

 

AustCham Beijing announces the new Board Members for 2012-2013

 

Congratulations to those elected!

 

Sharon Carr, Director, Management Development Services

Dave Garnier, CEO, New Wave Capital

Adrian Gonzales, CEO Millward Brown China

Peter Grogan, Managing Director, S.J. Grand

Edward Smith, Managing Director, Beijing Consulting Group

Ian Tang, CEO, 123 Childcare

 

They join current board members

 

David Olsson, Partner King & Wood Mallesons

Mina Guli, Executive Director and COO, Peony Capital

Ben Way, Senior Managing Director, Macquarie Group

Robert Campbell, Managing Director Rose Rock Capital

Tracy Colgan, Managing Director, Kamsky Associates

Brendan Mason, GM Greater China, Cochlear Medical Devices

Dalwyn Bateson , General Manager, AustCham

Alan Morrell, Senior Trade Commissioner, Austrade

 

AustCham Beijing’s new office address

 

Rm 910, Tower A, U-Town Office Building
1 Sanfengbeili,
Chaoyang District, Beijing 100020

CHINA


中国北京朝阳区朝阳门三丰北里1号悠唐国际写字楼A座910室
邮编100020

T: +86 10 6595 9252

 

*For latest AustCham Beijing news and events, visit: www.austcham.org