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.”
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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.
James Clarke, president of the Western Australia branch of the Australia China Business Council, said that while specific details of the closed-door talks were confidential, they were also “positive and constructive”.
“Discussions at the dialogue were broad and covered a range of sectors, including mining and resources, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, financial services and banking and primary Industries,” he added.
“Chinese demand for Australian products and services continues to be strong, as does business resilience in the face of what had been a difficult patch in the bilateral relationship and through the global pandemic.”
A thawing of ties was not seen until the administration of Anthony Albanese began in May last year.
The prime minister met with President Xi Jinping in November on the sidelines of the Group of 20 gathering in Bali, and Australian foreign minister Penny Wong met with China’s then foreign minister Wang Yi on the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relationship in December.
China’s Ministry of Commerce said at a regular press conference on Thursday that it was aware of the Australian business delegation’s visit and that it welcomed companies from both countries carrying out collaborations and exchanges that are mutually beneficial to each other.
“China will be determined to push ahead in opening up its market to others … deepening cooperation in global supply chains,” the ministry said. “China will bring along a bigger market with more opportunities to other countries, including Australia.”
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“The Australian business community has welcomed the improvement in the bilateral relationship over the last 12 months,” Clarke said. “We have witnessed the recommencement of ministerial dialogue between Australia and China in defence, foreign affairs and trade.”
“After China reopened its borders in January, we have witnessed a rush of cross-border delegations coming to Australia from China, and groups of executives flying from Australia to China, including the Australia China Business Council delegation led by national president David Olsson later this month,” Clarke added.
“Point-to-point relationships and connections, such as those fostered by … McGowan’s trip, are important, with state economies situated at the coalface of investment and trade activity between our two countries.”
