The Hon. Steven Marshall MP, Premier of South Australia,
Mr. Chen Huaiyu, Chairman of China Chamber of Commerce in Australia,
The Hon. David Ridgway MLC, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment,
The Hon. Jing Lee MLC, Assistant Minister to the Premier,
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning!
I am very delighted to be here with you to witness the launching of China Chamber of Commerce in Australia Adelaide Branch. It is such a moment of elation that will be marked in the history of practical cooperation between China and South Australia. Please allow me, on behalf of the Consulate-General of China in Adelaide, to extend our warmest congratulations to the branch and its members, and our sincere thanks to those who have made huge efforts and contributions to make it happen.
Both China and South Australia have done a lot to push forward the cooperative and friendly relations between the two sides. As a result, more and more Chinese enterprises have invested and will invest in the state.
We are glad to see that, the economic and trade ties have brought the practical cooperation between our two sides to a new high. Now China is the largest trading partner to South Australia, which accounts for 20% of its total trade. China also stands as the largest export destination, largest source of imports, as well as the leading market of tourists and international students for South Australia.
These achievements would not be possible without efforts and dedication by Chinese enterprises in South Australia. Their investment with a total of USD $2 billion, mainly goes to industries such as mining, aviation services, financial services, real estate development, wine and international trade.
In mining industry, we have major state-owned enterprises like Sinosteel and WISCO, while Murracy Zircon, CU-River, Jiujiang Group and many other Chinese companies are also playing an active role by bringing in capital here and serving China's market with quality minerals. As the first Chinese bank in South Australia, Bank of China Adelaide Branch provides a comprehensive portfolio of high-quality products and services for both Chinese and local businesses, whereby it has built a bridge for strengthening cooperation between China and South Australia. The launch of China Southern Airlines' Adelaide-Guangzhou route has also opened up new opportunities for business by facilitating the flow of people and goods.Changyu Pioneer, Luzhou Laojiao and many other Chinese investors are now well positioned to flourish in South Australia. The state's beautiful wines have become highly sought after in China. In 2017 alone, South Australia's wine exports to China jumped 36% to a one-third of its total exports in wine already.
Today is a great starting point. And I have every confidence that the CCCA Adelaide Branch will keep up the good work and constantly improve its working mechanism so as to swing itself into full gear. First, Adelaide branch will act as a platform for information exchanges among Chinese enterprises, which enables them to complement each other by sharing resources and opportunities. Second, Adelaide branch will act as a bridge between government and its members to enhance coordination with relevant departments and guarantee the member's legal rights and interests. Third, Adelaide branch will act as a gateway for investment attraction to encourage further development of economic and trade between the two sides. Fourth, Adelaide branch will act as a window to present a good image of China by guiding members into strict compliance with both home and local laws and regulations.
Ladies and gentlemen,
This year marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up. China will never detract from its firm resolve to expand opening-up and its strong commitment to globalization and trade liberalization. China is a huge market with its door open wide. And there exist enormous potential of cooperation between China and South Australia, as well as broad prospects for businesses in both sides. I hope these businesses, taking advantage of this platform of Adelaide branch, will forge ahead with a strong boost to the sustained, sound and steady development of friendly relations and practical cooperation between China and South Australia with greater efforts.
Thank you!