Structure

Victoria

Overview

Patrons
Professor David de Kretser, AC
Governor of Victoria

Shen Weilian
Consul General, People's Republic of China
 

ACBC Victoria has played a leading role in building links between Australia and China since its origins in 1973. The strength of the Victorian Branch of the ACBC is reflected in its growing membership of more than 240 organisations. Our Patrons are the Governor of Victoria, Professor David de Kretser AC, and the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Shen WeiLian.

Close ties with the Federal and State Governments, as well as Melbourne City Council, enable ACBC Victoria to provide major input into bilateral relations, as well as to provide assistance to members through referrals to government agencies. Regular updates on the economy, markets and changes in regulation in both countries are vital for planning. We host meetings with government trade and investment officials, both Chinese and Australian.

ACBC Victoria played an important role in the development of the Victorian Government’s China Strategy and the Premier of Victoria, the Hon John Brumby MP detailed this in his address to members on 5 August 2008. Additionally, ACBC Victoria was at the forefront of developing ties between ACBC and the China-Australia Chambers of Commerce in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong. ACBC Victoria has ongoing contact with Chinese organisations, such as the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

Our aim this year has been to familiarise members with different provinces and locations in China. Members have met with delegations from Jiangsu, Guilin, Shenzhen, Shijiazhuang, Langfang, Chengde, Tangshan, as well as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Events: Snapshot Examples

• At the beginning of 2008 the Australian Ambassador to China, HE Dr Geoff Raby opened our meetings program with his address on “The Year of the Rat”, encompassing an overview of the economic environment, the Olympics and the context for business. 
• In July Australian Federal Treasurer, the Hon Wayne Swan MP gave the keynote address at our policy forum on foreign investment and sovereign wealth funds, titled “The Changing Global Financial Environment: Impact on Australia and China”, Participants included Chinese business leader Mr Hong Xiao Yuan, Managing Director of China Merchants Finance Holdings, who came to Melbourne specifically at our invitation.
• Our roundtable discussion program began this year with Fairfax journalist John Garnaut and academic economist and consultant Dr Mark Crosby. John travels extensively in China and his insights, both as a journalist and an economist provided a context for members to better understand the rapid changes in China. Mark Crosby analysed the flow on effect on China from the credit crisis. The event was hosted by Rio Tinto.

As membership continues to grow, so does the capacity of the Council to play a significant role in encouraging and facilitating commercial relations between Australia and China. ACBC Victoria is pleased to actively contribute to ensuring that ACBC remains the premier organisation for Australian businesses at the centre of this relationship.

For more information on Victoria-China bilateral relations please read our China Victoria Facts.

Mr Jason Chang, KPMG
President ACBC VIC

Executive Director: Ms Toni Feddersen
Executive Assistant: Ms Meng Zhang


For more information please contact the Victoria Branch:
Level 1, 172 Bouverie Street
Carlton VIC 3053
Tel: (61-3) 9347 3939
Fax: (61-3) 9347 7272
acbcvic [at] acbc [dot] com [dot] au