3 May 2009
Trade Minister Visit to Shanghai and Inland China
The Minister for Trade Simon Crean will today depart for China to officially launch the Australian pavilion site at the Shanghai World Expo 2010.
The Minister will also promote Australia’s growing exports and commercial interests in the rapidly developing inland centres of Kunming and Wuhan.
Mr Crean said the Australian pavilion at Expo would further strengthen Australia-China bilateral relations.
"Shanghai World Expo 2010 offers a unique opportunity to showcase Australian culture, innovation and capability to an estimated seven million Chinese and overseas visitors to the Australian pavilion,
"Australian’s pavilion will demonstrate our innovation and achievement in strategic sectors and will run a targeted business program to maximise the impact of our participation in the Expo.
"While in Shanghai, I will also meet senior Shanghai leaders to discuss bilateral trade ties and Australia’s growing business presence in Shanghai, especially in the services and resource sectors."
The visit will start in Kunming where Mr Crean will open the Australian Architecture and Design Exhibition and promote Australian involvement in planned major infrastructure projects.
Mr Crean will also participate in two roundtables on agri-business and resources to discuss Australia’s trade and investment interests in these key sectors with major Yunnan investors and customers.
On Wednesday in Wuhan, Mr Crean will lead a green-building mission of Australian companies and participate in a number of green-building and urban planning-themed events.
"Australia is seeking to diversify and deepen our strong trading relationship with China into new sectors such as architecture and design, green-building, environmental management and sustainable development," Mr Crean said.
Mr Crean will officially launch the Australian pavilion site at Shanghai World Expo 2010 on Friday, May 8.
On the way back to Australia, Mr Crean will attend a meeting hosted by New Zealand of Pacific trade ministers.
The meeting will focus on developing a roadmap for advancing the PACER Plus agreement - an economic and market liberalisation and capacity building initiative for the region.
Media Inquiries: Mr Crean's office 02 6277 7420 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555