Australia’s largest-ever delegation, comprising more than 250 companies and led by Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell, is participating in this year’s China International Import Expo that kicked off in Shanghai on Tuesday.
Since 2009, China has been Australia’s largest trading partner.
Over a quarter of Australia’s export revenue comes from China, through the products its enterprises are showcasing at the CIIE, ranging from beef, wine to milk; it also imports a large number of industrial products from China.
On Nov 1, Vice-Premier He Lifeng, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met an Australian high-level business delegation led by David Olsson, national president of the Australia China Business Council. At the meeting, He said that while China is advancing high-level opening-up, it attaches great significance to protecting the legitimate rights and interests of foreign-funded enterprises.
The two countries’ mutual regard for each other is also on display at the ongoing CIIE. On its official WeChat account, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission was seen introducing the products exhibited at CIIE, trying to attract Chinese enterprises and customers to pay more attention to them. The Australian government has also recruited seven enterprises to participate in the 26th China Hi-Tech Fair to be held in Shenzhen from Nov 14 to 16. It’s the common wish of both Canberra and its enterprises to strengthen economic ties with China and their positive attitude is being echoed from China.