Tomorrow will mark one year since Tasmania welcomed the Chinese President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan to Tasmania.
This was a once-in-a-generation visit by the leader of our biggest trading partner and the world’s second largest economy. It created unparalleled exposure for Tasmania and enhanced the Chinese people’s fascination with our island state, our people and our world class produce.
Concurrently to the President’s visit we held the inaugural TasInvest summit, to showcase Tasmanian investment opportunities and to build further business connections with China.
This week we are welcoming a number of Chinese delegations to Tasmania to mark the anniversary of the visit, including a high-level delegation led by Dr Ma Peihua, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee.
Dr Ma is joined by the Chinese Ambassador to Australia, Mr Ma Zhaoxu and Chinese Consul General Mr Song Yumin.
We also welcome the Shaanxi Fruit delegation, which looks to build on a MoU signed last year, the Shanghai Tax Agency, representatives from a number of Chinese companies, and from our sister state province, Fujian.
Tonight, Her Excellency Professor Kate Warner, Governor of Tasmania will host an official dinner, and tomorrow night a reception for delegates will be hosted by the Australia China Business Council, the THA, and the Government.
Our relationship with China has never been stronger or more important.
Today, the Minister for State Growth Matthew Groom will release a report which provides a snapshot of the Government’s China engagement activities over the past 12 months.
The China Engagement Report shows in the year since the President’s visit, we have facilitated more than 14 Chinese delegations and supported opportunities for Tasmanian businesses.
Critically, this report confirms that in the past year of our increased engagement with China, there has been a 37 per cent increase in exports in key targeted areas.
This includes increases in the value of exports including: Cherries 46 per cent, apples 281 per cent, tourism expenditure 24 per cent, international education 7 per cent, and salmon exports up 5,217 per cent.
The number of Chinese tourists coming to Tasmania has exploded, with an increase of 38 per cent.
Chinese migrations have also increased in the last 12 months by 26 per cent, with the majority being University of Tasmania graduates. This Report clearly shows that our efforts to build our relationship with China is yielding significant dividends for our state.
Will Hodgman, Premier
