China's interest in South West rapidly rising - 5 March 2008
China's rapidly increasing interest in business opportunities in the South West has taken even Bunbury Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BCCI) chief executive officer Allan Birrell by surprise.
Mr Birrell will host representatives from the Zheijang Province Jiaxing Economic Development Zone in Bunbury later this month, who are visiting the area to promote economic growth between the two regions.
He said other events, such as a South West Development Commission (SWDC) seminar on the growing impact of China in the South West at the end of the month and a BCCI delegation travelling to China in April, would strengthen business ties even further.
“The past six months has seen a big upswing in business links between China and the South West,” he said.
“It really began when Bunbury Port Authority organised a visit of local business and government agency leaders to Jiaxing last October. It was the first time Bunbury had sent a delegation with a strong business edge to it.
“I have been amazed at the response since then.”
Following the October delegation several prominent business people from China had visited the South West to look at investment opportunities.
“The upcoming visit from this delegation from the Jiaxing Economic Development Zone will continue to strengthen the fundamental interest Chinese business has in our region,” he said.
“The purpose of the visit is to conduct talks with businesses and seek potential opportunities that would enhance the economy and trade between both ports.”
Mr Birrell said the Jiaxing delegation would host a trade development seminar at Bunbury Tower on March 18. For more information on the seminar contact the BCCI on 9791 2292.
South West Development Commission chief executive officer Don Punch said a Critical Horizons seminar at the end of March, Breath of the Dragon, was designed to help regional and business leaders capitalise on China’s growing impact in the South West.
“China has become the world’s economic powerhouse and the interest shown by business there in the South West in recent times is promising,” he said.
“The Breath of the Dragon half-day seminar will feature two guest speakers who are experts in China and business and have hands-on experience dealing with the Chinese government while living and working there.
“Local leaders in the public and private sector will benefit from the information provided at the event.”
Mr Punch said the Critical Horizons series helped leaders better prepare for the future by informing them of global trends and their impact on regional areas.
The Breath of the Dragon seminar will be held on March 27, 11am-2.30pm, at the Sanctuary Golf Resort. For more information call Alan Cross on 9792 2000 or go to www.criticalhorizons.com.au
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Media contact:
Scott Maclean