The first half of the trade and investment mission has been busy and very productive, with new opportunities to expand Tasmania’s relations with China, the state’s largest trading partner.
A number of high level meetings have been held around Tasmania’s fresh produce, education and investment opportunities, with more to come in the next few days, while last night’s Savour Tasmania gala dinner showcased Tasmania’s best produce to 300 influential figures in the Chinese premium food market.
The Premier Will Hodgman has also signed an important MOU with the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
The agreement will see greater levels of bilateral cooperation in research, development, improvement and production of medicinal plants commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine.
“Tasmania has a world-class reputation for growing premium produce with ideal growing conditions,” Premier Hodgman said.
“We also benefit from abundant water resources and a strong research and development capability and this agreement builds on that reputation.
“In collaboration with the University of Tasmania, the parties will investigate areas of potential cooperative research and research training including crop production, development and improvement for temperate climate medicinal plants.
“Not only is this an endorsement of our growing conditions, it is also an indication of great respect for our research capabilities and the expertise that exists within UTAS.”
The Minister for State Growth, Matthew Groom, has also witnessed the singing of an MOU between Tasmanian Polar Network and the Polar Research Institute of China agreeing to cooperate on the provision of Tasmanian technical support for Chinese Antarctic expeditions.
“The agreement will see the Tasmanian Polar Network explore options to provide services in Tasmania including repair and maintenance, spare parts and technical support for snow tractors, mobile polar vehicles, power equipment and other machinery as required,” Minister Groom said.
“Australia and China have a close and long standing collaborative relationship on Antarctic matters and all of this activity has been based out of Australia’s Antarctic headquarters and international Antarctic Gateway in Tasmania.
“The concentration of Antarctic expertise is unique to our state and this MOU is a significant step forward in this important collaboration between Tasmania and China reinforcing our gateway status to service China’s rapidly growing Antarctic expedition.”
Both of these signings are representative of the strong cultural and economic relationship Tasmania has with China that we are strengthening on this trade mission.
Will Hodgman, Premier Matthew Groom, Minister for State Growth
