The Hodgman Liberal Government’s trade and investment mission to China was the next important step building on the success of our strong relationship to facilitate investment and trade as well as create jobs for Tasmanians.
The centrepiece of the mission was the Savour Tasmania Gala Dinner, held in China for the first time, and showcasing Tasmania’s finest produce to 300 of China’s most influential foodies.
“This was an unprecedented opportunity to bring a taste of Tasmania to China, from the freshest seafood to the juiciest cherries and our world renowned sparkling wine,” Premier Will Hodgman said.
“Tasmania exports around half a billion dollars of products to China a year and by showcasing what we have to offer to our largest trading partner, this Government is paving the way for businesses to expand their markets and show the world what our island state can produce.
“Tourism has also been a key focus on this Trade Mission and a number of high-level meetings were held with key stakeholders to discuss how we can attract more Chinese visitors to Tasmania, as well as continued discussions about improved air links between Tasmania and China in the future,” Premier Hodgman finished.
State Growth Minister Matthew Groom said the trade mission exceeded Government expectations, delivering outcomes in agriculture, international education and training, hospitality and tourism, energy and the Antarctic sector.
“Our relationship with China has never been stronger and it is important that we continue to build on the success from President Xi Jinping’s visit, the TasInvest summit and previous Trade Mission to deliver real outcomes,” Minister Groom said.
“In China and Tasmania, governments at all levels are collaborating actively with business, industry and our educational institutions to maintain the momentum set in recent months.
“The agreements we have signed and the doors we have opened for Tasmanian businesses on this trip will create local jobs, help business to grow, expand our education and research capabilities and cement our reputation as the Gateway to Antarctica,” Minister Groom said.
Significant events and outcomes from the trade and investment mission include:
• The Tasmanian Polar Network and Polar Research Institute of China signed an agreement on the use of TPN facilities in Tasmania to provide services to Chinese Antarctic Stations;
• The Tasmanian Government and University of China Academy of Science signed an agreement to collaborate on Tasmanian Devil disease research;
• TasTafe and Tianjin Youth Professional College signed an agreement to jointly develop a vocational education program;
• TasTAFE and Tianjin Modern Vocational Technical College signed a Sister School Agreement;
• The Department of State Growth and COFCO Haiyou signed an E-Commerce Cooperation Agreement;
• Hydro China and PowerChina signed a Heads of Agreement for establishment of a joint venture with Hydro Tasmania’s consulting business, Entura;
• Hydro Tasmania and Shenhua Guohua Energy Investment signed an agreement on Electricity Retail Cooperation;
• The Bank of China will establish a working group to undertake feasibility studies for establishing a branch in Tasmania;
• Promoting our premium food and wine through Savour Tasmania and the Investment and Trade Luncheon in Hong Kong;
• Continued discussions about establishing improved air links between China and Tasmania;
• Promoting education with showcases in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing;
• Progressing work on a potential ‘Fujian week in Tasmania’ proposal;
• Met with Hainan government senior officials who expressed strong interest to build a strategic partnership with Tasmania;
• Held an Energy and Energy Intensive Investment Roundtable in Beijing attracting strong interest from leading chinese energy, minerals processing and IT companies; and
• A number of high profile events were also held to help promote Tasmanian fruit and vegetables, including the Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong and the China International Fruit and vegetable fair in Beijing.
Will Hodgman, Premier Matthew Groom, Minister for State Growth
