https://www.scmp.com/rss/320182/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Australian property is a two-city scenario - there's Sydney and Melbourne, and then there's rest of the country. Sydney and Melbourne property prices have had an astronomical rise over the past 12 months, while smaller cities such as Canberra, Darwin, Brisbane and Perth have seen smaller increases, remained flat or fallen. Property values in Australia as a whole rose a modest 6.8 per cent last year, according to Knight Frank. But prices in Sydney soared by 16.8 per cent in the year to March... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846773/real-estate-tale-two-cities?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846773/real-estate-tale-two-cities?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Aug 2015 09:45:30 +0000 Australia relies heavily on Chinese spending to boost its economy. It was one of the few developed countries not to go into recession during the global financial crisis, thanks to the demand from China for its resources. World economic growth in recent years - particularly in China - has only increased the demand for commodities. Australia has been a key beneficiary of this demand: it's the world's leading producer of rutile, zircon, bauxite, iron ore and ilmenite; the second-largest producer of... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846774/economy-battles-commodities-slump?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846774/economy-battles-commodities-slump?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Aug 2015 09:43:32 +0000 Be it a landscaped garden, resort-style swimming pool, playground or on-site childcare centre, there is an amenity tailored to every resident of Meriton properties. Most developments are built with children and families in mind - an aspect that is important to Australia's largest residential apartment developer, which has remained in family hands for more than 50 years. "Meriton delivers what the market wants, and we have always believed that apartment living is the future - especially for young... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846437/meriton-shapes-residential?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846437/meriton-shapes-residential?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Aug 2015 09:41:08 +0000 With Australia's reputation for being a relaxed, welcoming country with an unmatched natural landscape and unique wildlife, it might be easy to overlook some pertinent matters about exactly where we fit in the global environment.  The fact is that Australia is a top-20 country in almost every economic and social measure, except that for population where we come in at 56th.  Australia now has the 12th highest GDP in the world and we rank 5th globally in terms of per capita GDP. We have had 24... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846769/message-paul-tighe?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846769/message-paul-tighe?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Aug 2015 09:30:45 +0000 Even before students set foot in its classrooms, Central Queensland University (CQUniversity) Australia already envisions their successful future outside campus walls. Seeing itself as a university of opportunity, CQUniversity is committed to providing its students a rich educational experience that will empower them to excel in a real-world setting.  From a single campus in Rockhampton in 1967, CQUniversity became one of the universities in Australia with the largest footprint, with campuses in... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846765/cquniversity-seamlessly-bridges?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846765/cquniversity-seamlessly-bridges?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Aug 2015 09:30:00 +0000 Supply chain and logistical requirements are evolving, driven by a rapidly growing e-commerce industry and a shift in market focus towards Asia. Australia Post, which has kept Australians connected for more than 200 years, is transforming its operations to harness opportunities from these market trends using its trusted brand and network reach. "We're innovating and moving with the digital age," says Charles Thompson, general manager of international. "In addition to digitising our traditional... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846763/australia-post-digitises-service?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846763/australia-post-digitises-service?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Aug 2015 09:15:30 +0000 Charging through Australia's sandy coastal plains, desert plateaus and rocky bush lands, trains have become more than simply an alternative mode of transport for the country. In fact, Australia's efficient railway system is seen as key to ensuring the country's economic future, and Downer has been instrumental in keeping this vision on track. Downer has more than 100 years' experience delivering total rail asset solutions for its customers, employing more than 1,400 people at approximately 20... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846762/expertise-and-partnerships-keep?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846762/expertise-and-partnerships-keep?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Aug 2015 09:11:18 +0000 Australia has long been known for its wealth of natural and agricultural resources such as coal, iron ore, dairy and wine. Today, the country's service industries, including education, aged care, medical and information technology, are also recognised internationally for their very high-quality standards.  "Australian companies possess unique expertise in such industries, and are increasingly looking for international investors to help them grow their businesses and open up new markets... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846759/bentleys-survey-shows-smes-keen?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846759/bentleys-survey-shows-smes-keen?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Aug 2015 09:00:45 +0000 A trusted market leader with a long-standing reputation in high-rise apartment developments in the Perth metropolitan area, young and dynamic property developer Finbar plays a pioneering role in shaping Western Australia's emerging real estate landscape.  Representing some of Perth's most prestigious lifestyle apartments, Finbar has been responsible for the construction of 4,433 apartments across 62 developments in Perth alone. Ten years ago, East Perth - home of the company's headquarters - was... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846757/finbar-builds-promising-future?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846757/finbar-builds-promising-future?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Aug 2015 09:00:15 +0000 Investors looking to develop realty markets in highly viable and strategic areas can find an experienced and esteemed guide in Beveridge Williams Development Consultants. For more than 50 years, the reputable land development and infrastructure consultancy, based in the state of Victoria in Australia, has helped clients, including overseas developers, turn investments into sustainable and financially attractive real estate ventures. Maintaining strong relationships with prominent Chinese... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846761/beveridge-williams-steers-land?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846761/beveridge-williams-steers-land?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Aug 2015 09:00:15 +0000 Health-conscious consumers have tried to gain true wellness, but the ways to achieve this have so far been unclear. A massive improvement in wellness and a more energetic lifestyle, however, are possible. The answer lies in moving one's diet to functional foods. This is according to Dr Warren Stewart, owner, founder and director of Australian functional foods manufacturer Morlife. Morlife has made a leap in providing the answers by developing vastly higher nutritional strength formulations... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846758/morlife-solves-nutrition-puzzle?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846758/morlife-solves-nutrition-puzzle?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Aug 2015 08:57:04 +0000 Investment opportunities are rife amid the enforcement of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA), which is set to build a highly complementary relationship between the two countries and benefit investors, exporters, importers and consumers alike. Chinese investors, in particular, stand to gain the most as they enjoy reduced tariffs and relaxed investment regulatory barriers in Australia, which has become China's largest import market for goods and services. "The entire foreign... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846755/atax-enables-chinese-investors?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846755/atax-enables-chinese-investors?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Aug 2015 08:45:45 +0000 Known for its well-crafted laws, political stability and educational opportunities, Australia is an attractive destination for investors and economic immigrants. Backing this conducive environment is a passionate financial services firm with an outstanding reputation for high yields of up to 7 per cent, and payout ratios that reach 90 per cent. As one of the largest financial services companies in Australia, IOOF continues to expand to secure the financial futures of local and international... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846698/ioof-secures-financial-futures?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846698/ioof-secures-financial-futures?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Aug 2015 04:45:30 +0000 The myriad opportunities that Australia offers investors who are seeking a market with stability and minimal risk have attracted a flood of capital coming from Asia, particularly from companies looking to diversify outside the region. According to David Harrison, joint managing director of Charter Hall Group, this shows an increasing trend to diversify globally. "Investors want to put capital into markets with low volatility and steady returns," Harrison says. "This directs capital towards... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846694/charter-halls-low-risk-asset?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846694/charter-halls-low-risk-asset?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Aug 2015 04:45:15 +0000 Asia is at a historic crossroads of change, seeing significant structural reforms, declining political risks and growing affluence. Strong regional growth is forecast to continue, propelled by increasing consumption and rising investment inflows that could spur expansion in equity markets.  Such an environment presents enormous opportunities to Link Group, a leading global share registry and financial services provider based in Australia and with a growing footprint in Asia.  "We aim to... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846692/emerging-region-beckons-leading?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846692/emerging-region-beckons-leading?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Aug 2015 04:45:00 +0000 Galvanised by the vision to empower a nation's workforce, TasTAFE - Tasmania's largest public provider of cutting-edge vocational programmes - nurtures individuals in Tasmania, Asia and worldwide through skills enhancement courses and qualifications. As one of Australia's 10 largest training organisations, TasTAFE helps communities all over the world to succeed and prosper by cultivating proficient and community-centric tradespeople. TasTAFE is the result of merging an industry-focused training... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846688/tastafe-cultivates-proficient-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846688/tastafe-cultivates-proficient-and?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Aug 2015 04:00:15 +0000 From sunscreens and cosmetics to over-the-counter medicines and nutritional supplements, leading brand names rely on one of Australia's top contract manufacturers. Ensign Laboratories draws on 60 years of experience to provide clients with comprehensive product development and production services. Under the company's third generation of family management, Ensign is committed to share its expertise with Asia, working with brand owners and private labels to develop and manufacture products for the... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846684/ensign-expands-development-arm?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846684/ensign-expands-development-arm?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Aug 2015 03:45:15 +0000 With the continuously growing demand for higher-end commodities in China and the strict quality standards across industries in Australia, the free trade agreement between the two countries slated to commence this year will only serve to take their trade relations to new heights. As one of the oldest agricultural business firms in Australia, Elders is primed to satisfy China's robust appetite for fine food, particularly choice cut meats and dairy. "The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846465/elders-deepens-chinese-relations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846465/elders-deepens-chinese-relations?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Aug 2015 09:45:15 +0000 As more people realise the crucial link between nutritious food and quality living, the quest for organic, sustainable and healthy food has turned into a global movement. Impassioned to make naturally delicious beverages easily available to consumers, Preshafood developed a process that allows it to produce bottled fresh juice that retains the original flavour and nutritional content, but with a seven-month shelf life. "Preshafood juice tastes just like a freshly squeezed juice," says Alastair... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846462/preshafood-extracts-fresh?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846462/preshafood-extracts-fresh?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Aug 2015 09:30:30 +0000 An island state located southeast of the Australian mainland, Tasmania is endowed with a moderately cool climate. While its temperature does not go below 3 degrees Celsius in the winter or beyond 23 degrees in the summer, its rich soil, adequate clean water supply and fresh air make Tasmania one of the best places to grow vegetables.  Combining these attributes with passion and excellent business sense, Neil Armstrong founded Harvest Moon in 1981 to become one of Asia's most trusted suppliers of... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846449/harvest-moon-ensures-year-round?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846449/harvest-moon-ensures-year-round?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Aug 2015 09:15:15 +0000 In a heady marketplace with large amounts of liquidity and transactional activity, leading specialist real estate investment manager APN Property Group's "sustainable income" approach to investing remains well-placed to bring investors excellent returns from commercial property.  "Since the mid-1990s, APN has been investing in property, which delivers reliable and high income levels with modest amounts of debt," says Tim Slattery, executive director. "This 'property-for-income' philosophy has... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846371/property-income-key-apns-growing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846371/property-income-key-apns-growing?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Aug 2015 07:00:00 +0000 The largest Australian-owned cosmetics and personal care company, The Heat Group, has boldly brought one of its home-grown brands, Billie Goat Soap, to Hong Kong. The brand is available at 100 Watsons stores with future roll-outs planned. Founded in May 2000, The Heat Group has a growing portfolio of brands and more than 6,000 retailers distributing its products locally. This year, the company is focusing on exports as it showcases home-grown Australian brands to overseas shoppers. Born out of a... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846337/natural-skincare-distributor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846337/natural-skincare-distributor?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Aug 2015 04:30:00 +0000 Situated on the doorstep of Asia, Sydney has become a renowned regional hub for multinationals, offering world-class infrastructure, industry diversity, a highly skilled multilingual workforce and a stable political environment.  On the western edge of Sydney's iconic harbour stands Barangaroo, a 22-hectare site that is being developed by the New South Wales Government in partnership with Lendlease. More than 50 per cent of the site is public space, and the southern end, Barangaroo South, will... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846336/international-towers-sydney-home?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846336/international-towers-sydney-home?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Aug 2015 04:28:50 +0000 Strongly committed to the comprehensive protection of the environment, Australia has adopted more stringent environmental standards and conservation policies.  This is underpinned by improving industry compliance that is supported by innovative solutions from specialised companies such as Pacific Environment.  With more than 30 years of scientific excellence, Pacific Environment has remained at the forefront of proactive environmental management. This is underlined by the launch in December last... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846333/pacific-environment-forefront?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846333/pacific-environment-forefront?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Aug 2015 04:15:15 +0000 Creating an efficient interface for trade, the Port of Brisbane is fundamental to the economies of Queensland and New South Wales. As Queensland's largest multicargo port, it is the gateway for more than A$50 billion (HK$285.6 billion) of freight each year, including about 50 per cent of the state's international trade and about 95 per cent of container traffic. Most of this trade, encompassing agricultural products, coal, motor vehicles and other consumer goods exports, is focused on... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846334/port-brisbane-positioned-premier?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846334/port-brisbane-positioned-premier?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Aug 2015 04:15:00 +0000 Home to the world's most primitive and ancient wilderness, Australia's island state of Tasmania boasts the world's cleanest air and water. Located in a remote part of Tasmania, Blue Hills Honey is a family-owned beekeeping business owned and operated by second-generation apiarist Robbie Charles and his wife Nicola.  Robbie's father, Reuben Charles, founded the business in 1955. Since then, the Charles family has been gathering pure wild honey from the pristine rainforests, coastal beaches and... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846329/blue-hills-honey-strengthen?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846329/blue-hills-honey-strengthen?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Aug 2015 04:13:47 +0000 For more than a century, Bulla Dairy Foods has been a trusted partner of Australian families in bringing healthy and nutritious dairy products to the dining table. Using the freshest milk and cream, Bulla delivers real dairy goodness in every dollop of its award-winning creams, spoonful of flavourful yoghurt and mouthful of its famous ice cream. A tradition of excellence and a set of family-centric core values have propelled the growth of the family-owned firm in Australia. Adding innovation to... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846331/bulla-courts-increasingly?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846331/bulla-courts-increasingly?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Aug 2015 04:13:19 +0000 A full immersion into the Western Australian way of life awaits every student who attends Perth International College of English (PICE). During weekdays with peers and teachers in class, or outdoors on the beach or at a park during weekends, there is one form of communication: English only. The highly interactive exchange continues at home with an Australian family preselected to host the PICE student.  "The focus of our energy is the student experience," says John Paxton, founder and director... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846326/english-learners-can-count?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846326/english-learners-can-count?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Aug 2015 03:45:45 +0000 Australia hosts more than 500,000 international students seeking not only top-quality education, but challenging, rewarding programmes that promote creativity, independent thinking and innovation. One university, however, stands out as distinctively Australian yet thoroughly international. A bold experiment in higher education, Macquarie University was founded in 1964 with a mission to serve the needs of industry and community while pioneering interdisciplinary research and innovations. The... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846140/macquarie-university?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846140/macquarie-university?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Aug 2015 10:00:45 +0000 When Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) opened shop 130 years ago, it started with a single nurse who walked Melbourne's streets to attend to patients at their homes.  This devotion to service guided the growth of RDNS from a Victoria-based health care provider to a multinational corporation offering the best home nursing and community care services globally. Today, Australia's oldest health care provider makes more than 2 million visits a year, in the process attending to the needs of more... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846138/rdns-brings-130-years-health-care?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846138/rdns-brings-130-years-health-care?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Aug 2015 09:54:17 +0000 Australia produces the most aluminium and opal, exports the most coal, and supplies large amounts of grains, fruits, vegetables and livestock globally. "Rich", however, applies beyond natural resources found in the country, which offers plenty more opportunities - above and below ground. "Natural resources are as fundamental to life as food and water. Australia, by some good fortune, happens to have a range of these - and with them come countless investment opportunities," says Phil Schofield,... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846119/patersons-links-investors-rich?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846119/patersons-links-investors-rich?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Aug 2015 09:00:15 +0000 With the signing of the much-anticipated China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) in Canberra last month, the ties between two of the Asia-Pacific's leading economies have never been stronger. The agreement is expected to unlock significant opportunities for Australia and China, and promote increased two-way investment and reduced import costs.  Accounting for almost a third of Australia's total exports, China has become the country's largest export market for goods and services. It is also... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846111/discovery-reports-reviews-cross?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846111/discovery-reports-reviews-cross?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Aug 2015 08:30:15 +0000 An evolving palate, an appetite for more nutritious food and an increasingly healthy economy are positioning Asia at the front and centre of the global dairy industry, which is forecast to generate more than US$442 billion in annual revenues within the next five years. "Asia now commands the worldwide dairy demand, but its supply has yet to keep pace, creating myriad opportunities for suppliers across the globe," says Dustin Boughton, director of Brisbane-based dairy ingredients specialist Maxum... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846106/maxum-foods-aims-feed-asias?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846106/maxum-foods-aims-feed-asias?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Aug 2015 08:15:45 +0000 Amid the comparable services offered by logistics companies, Australian freight service VISA Global Logistics breaks the mould by leveraging technology and bypassing go-betweens to provide visibility and efficient delivery from sender to consignee. "We are different from competitors because we deliver truly door-to-door," says Vittorio Tarchi, executive director and founder of VISA. "And when we say door-to-door, we mean we do not subcontract any portion of the supply chain." VISA has 35 offices... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846105/visa-global-logistics-leverages?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846105/visa-global-logistics-leverages?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Aug 2015 08:15:45 +0000 Bridgehill, one of the first Chinese property developers to spot the opportunity in Sydney's booming apartment market, has a successful track record in Australia in terms of quality apartment developments, according to The Australian Financial Review.  In four and a half years, the group has collected around A$700 million (HK$4 billion) from the market and has accumulated 1,800 apartment lots for land banking. It has also developed the capacity to deliver 500 fully furnished premium apartment... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846101/bridgehill-residences-create-new?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/australia-country-report/article/1846101/bridgehill-residences-create-new?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Aug 2015 07:48:18 +0000