President Xi visit an unprecedented opportunity

Labor Leader Bryan Green today welcomed confirmation that the Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Tasmania next month.

Mr Green said the visit was the culmination of many years of friendship and trade.

“Tasmania has had a long and proud friendship with China and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to welcome President Xi Jingping to our great state.

“Past Labor Premiers including Jim Bacon and Lara Giddings helped to forge stronger ties between Tasmania and China through regular trade missions.

“In 2013, as part of a trade mission to China, Premier Lara Giddings visited Beijing to deliver personally an invitation to President Xi through his highest officials.

“The invitation was followed by meetings with the Chinese Ambassador to help progress the visit.

“President Xi was the Governor of Tasmania’s sister state, Fujian Province and, as such, has a personal affiliation with Tasmania and its people.

“As Deputy Premier, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to officiate at trade events in Fujian and other parts of China.

“It is now a great honour to have the opportunity to showcase Tasmania’s unique natural environment and economic advantages in agriculture, aquaculture, renewable energy and innovation.

“We look forward to continuing to build on our cultural and economic friendship into the future.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader