By CASEY NEILL
BUSINESSES can join a trip to China designed to forge ties and create opportunities.
City of Greater Dandenong is heading a business delegation to its sister city Xuzhou from 22 to 29 September.
The trip will include the 17th China Xuzhou Investment Fair, meetings with businesses in the region and time with AusTrade and the Victorian Government Business Office representatives in Shanghai.
South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) chairman Simon Whiteley said China was emerging as an important regional player for business, trade and consumer opportunities between Australia and the Asia.
“Developing international contacts and connections with this region is vital in ensuring the longevity and future growth of Greater Dandenong’s manufacturing and business sector,” he said.
“Recent fluctuations in currencies and the rising costs of labour and utilities within Chinese factories have opened an opportunity for exporters.
“Many local manufacturers will now find they are competitive within the Chinese economy and the opportunities for them to be key players in these markets will only increase in line with the continuing economic development of China.”
Greater Dandenong Mayor Jim Memeti said the council had a well-established relationship with China through its sister city.
“Our longstanding relationship with Xuzhou provides local business with an unprecedented opportunity to tap into established overseas markets and harness emerging investment potential,” Cr Memeti said.
“Each of our trips to Xuzhou has highlighted the growing levels of wealth in China and a capacity for Chinese business owners to invest privately in foreign investment opportunities.
“The most important industries in Xuzhou are machinery, energy and food production.”
Cr Memeti said construction machinery manufacturer XCMG was based in Xuzhou, the third largest construction equipment producer in China and the 10th largest in the world.
The council’s business manager Paul Kearsley visited Xuzhou last July and returned for the China Xuzhou Investment Fair last September.
“With China it’s not about one trip,” he said.
“With the Chinese culture it’s about trust and creating a relationship, and that’s something we have to educate some of our businesses about.
“You’re not going to go in one time and be offered the world.
“Opportunity might open up for our businesses to provide products or components to the Chinese market.
“There could be opportunities for companies to open up an office or factory in China.
“The third important part is seeing if we can get investment from them down here.”
Delegation members will be responsible for their own travel expenses, including airfares and accommodation.
Call Paul Kearsley on 8571 1000 for an expression of interest for or more information.
