Trade office nears reality with appointment of liaison officer - 13 October 2008
With China’s interest in the South West corner of Australia reaching new heights, a representative from Jiaxing has travelled to Bunbury to staff a local trade office.
Zhuang Yue arrived in Bunbury this month after being seconded to the city by the Jiaxing municipality for the purpose of establishing the office.
The office is expected to boost business opportunities between the two regions when it opens in Bunbury next month by assisting with communications and facilitating trade.
Ms Zhuang, a section chief from Jiaxing’s foreign affairs office, has a long established connection with Bunbury and the South West region that has equipped her for the role.
Part of the delegation which visited Bunbury in 1988 to discuss setting up a sister city relationship, Ms Zhuang developed an affection for Bunbury and has visited it every year since.
She is now looking forward to advancing the commercial relationship between the cities and their regions by encouraging investment, exports, education services, local manufacturing development and expansion of local businesses overseas.
“The trust and understanding built up through the sister city relationship will provide an excellent base from which to do business,” Ms Zhuang said.
“China has shown a high level of interest in the South West corner of Australia and there are opportunities for businesses across the region to benefit.
“China is booming and a lot of the resources it is lacking are available in the South West of Australia.”
Ms Zhuang is hosted by the South West Development Commission and reports to the Bunbury-Jiaxing Steering Committee.
Contact Ms Zhuang by phoning 9792 2000.
…ENDS
Media contact:
Teneille Watson
Community Relations Officer