China-Australia relations: business leaders try to rekindle economic spark at first dialogue in Beijing since 2018
- Strategic closed-door dialogue offers both sides a chance to ‘reconnect’ during this week’s China visit by Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan
- Talks offer forum for Chinese private investors and senior leaders of Chinese state-owned companies to engage with Western Australia’s premier
Business delegates from Australia and China have held their first in-person strategic dialogue in Beijing since 2018, with both sides seeking to deepen economic ties.
According to a statement by the premier’s office on Thursday, around 30 business leaders from across Australia and China attended the talks on Wednesday, which provided a forum for direct discussions between the premier, Chinese private investors and senior leaders of Chinese state-owned enterprises operating in Western Australia.
“Last night’s 5th Western Australia-China Strategic Dialogue in Beijing was an invaluable opportunity to deepen ties with our largest trading partner,” McGowan said in response to questions by the Post.
“I had the chance to reconnect with Chinese business leaders from a range of industries, and to have direct discussions about how we can continue to grow trade and investment.”
The strategic dialogue was jointly hosted by the China Chamber of Commerce in Perth, Australia, and the Australia China Business Council’s Western Australia branch. It was the first such dialogue held in China since 2018, as the 2019, 2021 and 2022 discussions all took place in Perth.
