Capturing the Breath of the Dragon - 18 March 2008
Regional leaders will have the opportunity to find out how to make the most of China’s rapidly growing economic relationship with the South West this month.
South West Development Commission chief executive officer Don Punch said Breath of the Dragon, a half-day seminar on March 27, would inform regional and business leaders 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 seminar will feature three 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 business opportunities between the two regions had spiked since a delegation of South West business and government leaders visited Jiaxing in October last year.
“Up until that time, Bunbury had enjoyed a strong sister city relationship culturally and socially,” he said.
“But that visit, organised by the Bunbury Port Authority, focussed on boosting economic ties and raised a lot of interest in investment and business opportunities in our region.
“Jiaxing has almost 5 million people, a gross domestic product valued at $21 billion in 2007 and an import and export volume worth $14 billion.
“There are huge opportunities within our relationship with China. In coal alone, the Jiaxing port has a 3000-kilowatt coal-fired power station – that is equivalent to WA’s entire grid.
“The Breath of the Dragon Seminar will address ways leaders can prepare for the future opportunities of our relationship with China and regions such as Jiaxing.”
Mr Punch said the seminar was part of the Commission-sponsored Critical Horizons series, which 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
…ENDS
Media contact:
Scott Maclean
Senior Corporate Communications and Marketing Officer