Australian firms seek ‘practical ways’ to boost trade, economic ties amid Beijing, Canberra tensions
- Relations between Canberra and Beijing have been tense since Australia called for an international inquiry into the origin of the coronavirus in April 2020
- The move sparked a furious response from Beijing, with China later imposing trade restrictions on billions of dollars worth of Australian exports
Australian businesses in mainland China and Hong Kong are calling for closer engagement amid unresolved political and trade disputes between Beijing and Canberra.
Business representatives are keen to explore “practical ways in which they can support bilateral business engagement, particularly in light of renewed intent from both the Australian and Chinese governments to stabilise the bilateral relationship”, said a joint statement released earlier this week from key groups representing Australian businesses.
The calls for closer engagement with governments and agencies in both countries and key companies and stakeholders in China came from the boards of the Australia China Business Council, the China-Australia Chamber of Commerce chapters in Beijing, West China and South China, the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai and the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong.
We are stepping forward in challenging times to offer fresh and compelling ideas, working across borders to expand the economy for all
Vaughn Barber, chair of the China-Australia Chamber of Commerce chapter in Beijing, said that closer collaborations between Australian organisations across China will “provide Australian companies and institutions with connectivity to stakeholders, potential business partners and on-the-ground perspectives to support decision-making about emerging opportunities in this important market”.