8 April 2014

Billson opens Australia Week in China

The Guangzhou programme for Australia Week in China (AWIC) has kicked off with the Government reaffirming its commitment to forge closer ties with China.

Australia Week in China is about expanding our trade and investment ties and helping Australian businesses of all sizes grow, expand and create more jobs.

As Minister for Small Business, I am particularly committed to opening the door for small businesses to access opportunities to develop and grow their businesses in new markets and to provide more jobs locally.

This investment recognises and aims to build on the strength of our connection and partnership with China at all levels - across trade, investment, education, tourism and at the cultural and community level.

China is an attractive place offering delicious opportunities to grow our international small business export market which currently stands at $1.25 billion.

Australian delegates from the agribusiness, information technology, food and beverage and tourism sectors will have the chance attend China's largest import and export event, the Canton Fair.

This is an historic and unique opportunity for Australian small and medium enterprises to invest in the partnerships, collaborations and relationships needed to sustain and grow their business in China.

It is also the largest and most ambitious Commonwealth-sponsored trade mission to ever leave Australian shores with more than 680 businesses registered for the delegation.

The high attendance and interest from Australian businesses demonstrates the strong commitment from Australia’s business sector, to expand and improve growth and export opportunities.

I am proud to be part of Australia Week in China. This should leave absolutely no-one in China in doubt that Australia is open for business.

AWIC consists of around 80 trade, investment, education and tourism promotional events from 8-11 April 2014.

These events cover 10 major industry sectors including: food and beverage; agribusiness; financial services; education services including VET; mining and mining equipment, technology and services; new technologies; built environment; consumer; tourism and health and senior living.