12 August 2008

Australian Trade Minister Visits Southern China

The Australian Trade Minister, Mr Simon Crean, officially inaugurated the Australian Consulate-General’s new Chancery in Guangzhou in southern China today.

Speaking at the Chancery inauguration, Mr Crean noted the strength of the people to people links and the wide and diverse trading relationship between Australia and southern China.

In 2007, southern China took 20% of Australia’s exports to China, worth A$5.22 billion, while Guangdong itself accounted for almost 30% of China’s exports to Australia. 

Australia’s trade with Guangdong is very diverse, spanning 928 tariff lines compared to 619 lines with Shanghai and 438 lines with Beijing.

“The breadth of Australia’s relationship with southern China is demonstrated by the diversity of Australian Government agencies represented at post. 

“The Chancery reflects the importance of the relationship between Australia and southern China and the Australian Government’s commitment to further developing this dynamic relationship”, said Mr Crean.

Mr Crean also extended an official invitation to Guangdong Party Secretary Wang Yang to visit Australia later this year for discussions with government and corporate representatives on deepening economic and trade linkages.

The Australian Consulate-General first opened in Guangzhou as a trade office in 1996 and has expanded significantly since then, reflecting the growing strength of the Australian-China bilateral relationship.

The Consulate houses representatives of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Austrade, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Australian Education International and the Australian Federal Police.

The Consulate has responsibility for covering Australia’s interests in the provinces of Guangdong, Fujian, Yunnan, Guangxi, Hunan and Hainan.

There are an estimated 10 000 Australians living and working in southern China.

Media Inquiries: Mr Crean's office 02 6277 7420 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555