13 September 1995
McMULLAN TO VISIT CHINA AND HONG KONG
In Shanghai, Senator McMullan leads a strong Australian contingent to the Australia-China Forum which he will be open jointly with the Mayor of Shanghai, Xu Kuangdi. The Forum will be attended by more than 200 Australian and Chinese business representatives.
"The Forum will enable Australian business people to discuss opportunities presented by China's remarkable program of economic reform and development, and China's integration into the world economy," Senator McMullan said.
"China is Australia's fastest growing regional market and our sixth largest trading partner.
"Two-way trade reached a record $6.2 billion in 1994 - a 19 percent increase over 1993 - and the trend is continuing this year."
Australia's economic engagement in China now goes much further than the trade relationship. Direct investment in China stands at $860 million, with more than $2 billion in the pipeline. Chinese firms are also increasing their investment in Australia.
"During the visit, I will be seeking to build on the firm trade and investment base by pursuing opportunities for strengthening business links between our two countries, and improving the climate for Australian business in China," Senator McMullan said.
In Beijing, Senator McMullan will co-chair with his Chinese counterpart, Mme Wu Yi, the eighth Joint Ministerial Economic Commission (JMEC) meeting, which is the peak bilateral trade and economic consultative forum.
Senator McMullan said discussion of major bilateral and multilateral trade policy issues will be the focus of the Beijing leg of the visit.
"In particular, I will be addressing the need to remove remaining obstacles to trade and investment, and for commitment through specific mechanisms to encourage closer links in the raw materials, manufacturing, energy and service sectors, as well as infrastructure development.
"Australian companies are increasingly involved in China's rapid infrastructure development including housing, transport, energy infrastructure and telecommunications.
"Australian business is also supplying sophisticated manufactures and services from Australia and operations within China."
Senator McMullan will also discuss multilateral and regional trade issues, including China's accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and work towards Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) objectives, when he meets Minister Wu Yi and other key Chinese leaders.
From Beijing, Senator McMullan leads the first ever high-level Australia business mission to Dalian.
"Dalian, a dynamic port city in Liaoning Province and one of China's leading industrial bases, is known as the gateway to China's north east corridor," Senator McMullan said.
"The mission will set up direct contact between Australian business leaders and their Chinese counterparts, enabling them to pursue a wide range of opportunities for business and investment in the region"
In Hong Kong, home to 30,000 Australians, Senator McMullan will meet with Governor Christopher Patten and address the Australian Chamber of Commerce.
"There are 380 Australian companies in Hong Kong employing more than 10,000 people - and many more again in their operations in China.
"In 1994, Hong Kong was our 10th largest trading partner with two-way trade valued at $3.5 billion.
"An increasing portion of this trade comprises re-exports to China, mainly in higher-value manufactured goods.
"My expectation is that bilateral trade will continue to grow with an increasing emphasis on services trade."
Senator McMullan will also be taking up issues of particular concern to Australians and Australian business in Hong Kong in the lead-up to 1997.
"It is important for Australian business that Hong Kong's open, free and transparent economic system is maintained.
"It is important also to Australians living in Hong Kong that there is clarification on right of abode and nationality issues for post-1997."
Further information: John Flannery, (06) 277 7420
PROGRAM
SUNDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 1995
pm Arrive Hong Kong
MONDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 1995
am Call on Mr Brian Chau, Secretary for Trade and Industry, and Ms Regina Ip, Deputy Secretary for Trade and Industry
Call on H.E. The Rt Hon Christopher Patten, Governor of Hong Kong
Luncheon hosted by Australian Chamber Of Commerce in
Hong Kong (AustCham). Speech by Senator McMullan
pm Depart Hong Kong for Shanghai
Meeting with Australia China Forum participants
TUESDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 1995
am Meeting with Shanghai Leader
Opening of Australia China Forum Keynote Address by Senator McMullan
Press Conference
pm Visit sites of Australian projects:
Suzhou Creek environmental cooperation
Boschler designed building, Waigaoqiao
Pengyuepu Pumping Station (ACTEW/Austemex)
Attend Opening of SNAP Printing Franchise
Launch Australian Ventures:
Boral plaster board contract
Sigtec taxi dispatch system
Fletcher Construction training centre
Australia China Forum Dinner
WEDNESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 1995
am Australian Chamber of Commerce in China (Shanghai) Breakfast
Depart Shanghai for Beijing
pm Ministerial Meetings
Welcome Banquet hosted by MOFTEC Minister Mme Wu Yi
THURSDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 1995
am Co chair with Minister Wu Yi the Eighth Joint Ministerial Economic Commission (JMEC) meeting
Press Conference
pm Ministerial Meetings
Dinner hosted by Senator McMullan for Australian Business Community (Austnet) and National Trade and Investment Outlook Conference '95 (NTIOC) participants
FRIDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 1995
am Depart Beijing for Dalian
Meetings and lunch with Provincial and Dalian Leaders
pm Signing Ceremonies:
Esselte Dymo/Dalian pens factory, Stationery joint venture
Proscan Pty Ltd/Liaoning No 3 Radio Factory, Electronics joint venture
Press Conference
Visit Dalian Development Zone
Inspect potential site for joint venture Flour Mill
Dinner with Liaoning and Dalian Officials
SATURDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 1995
am Breakfast meeting with Australian Business Mission to Dalian
Visit Australian Wheat Board/Beiliang grain handling project site
Depart Dalian
BUSINESS DELEGATION TO BEIJING INCLUDES:
National Mutual Life Association of Australasia Ltd, Colonial Mutual, ANZ China, Boral Ltd, CSR Asia, and BHP Ltd
BUSINESS DELEGATION TO DALIAN INCLUDES:
APB Australia, Aspen Oil, Australian Wheat Board, Burns Philp Shipping, Colonial Mutual, GEMCO, Robway Safety Systems, and Southcorp Packaging [TNT, BTR Nylex, ACTEW, Concrete Products, Stephen Jacques,and CSR are expected to join the delegation]
For a full list of Australian companies attending the Australia China Forum in Shanghai, please call Joe Parkes at Austrade on (02) 390 2118.