Media Release: ACBC LEADS SENIOR BUSINESS DELEGATION TO BEIJING 

01 Nov 2024

ACBC LEADS SENIOR BUSINESS DELEGATION TO BEIJING 

1 November 2024

Australian executives explore new pathways for trade, investment and collaboration in meetings with Chinese leaders.

The Australia China Business Council (ACBC) has successfully concluded a high-level business delegation to Beijing, marking a significant step in the ongoing renewal of Australia-China relations.

The two-day visit, led by ACBC National President and Chair David Olsson AM, brought together senior executives from leading Australian companies to engage with Chinese government leaders, officials and business leaders.

The meetings served as an important opportunity to hear first-hand about China’s economic transition and the potential for collaboration across sectors and industries.

This is the first such business-to-government delegation from Australia in several years, underscoring the growing momentum in the bilateral relationship.

As the two countries celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), the delegation discussed the importance of traditional areas of business cooperation, – in sectors such as mining and resources, energy, finance and agriculture -, and opportunities emerging in areas such as renewable energy, healthcare, digital services, supply chains and the green economy.

“Our discussions with Chinese leaders reaffirm the importance of maintaining strong economic ties between our two countries. While Australian companies are building diversified supply chains to strengthen resilience, China remains a vital partner in our economic future,” said Olsson

“This is a pivotal moment for Australia to build our contemporary understanding of China; to engage more strategically. As global dynamics shift, spending time to explore collaborative opportunities in traditional and emerging sectors will not only enhance our international competitiveness, but also ensure that we remain resilient and adaptable in a changing world.”

“The Australia China Business Council is focused on supporting the efforts of both governments to stabilise and advance the relationship. Our aim is to foster commercial partnerships while aligning with evolving global realities. Strong personal and business connections will be central to sustaining this long-term partnership.”

Key Meetings

The delegation held discussions with senior Chinese officials, including:

  • He Lifeng, Vice Premier of China
  • Wang Wentao, Minister of Commerce
  • Zhang Shougang, Deputy Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT)
  • Qiu Xiaoping, Vice Chairman, All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC)
  • Li Yongjie, Vice Minister, CPC Leadership Group of the Ministry of Commerce and Deputy China International Trade Representative

Delegates also met with members of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the Australian business community in China, and H.E. Scott Dewar, Australia’s Ambassador to China.

The visit comes at a crucial moment, as both governments seek to stabilise their relationship and manage geopolitical and economic challenges. It follows China’s recent economic stimulus announcements, adding timely relevance to the delegation’s focus on investment opportunities.

“There is a sense of renewed purpose in our relationship,” Olsson said. “Our meetings underscored the importance of building a resilient framework for engagement that can withstand challenges and foster economic transformation for both nations.”

Participants

Senior business leaders from diverse sectors, including mining and resources, healthcare, logistics, financial and legal services, joined the delegation, reflecting the broad spectrum of Australian commercial interests in China.
Participants included:

  • Jakob Stausholm, Chief Executive Officer, Rio Tinto
  • Geraldine Slattery, President Australia, BHP
  • Dig Howitt, Chief Executive Officer, Cochlear
  • Dino Otranto, Chief Executive Officer, Fortescue Metals
  • Renae Lattey, Chief Executive Partner, Australia, King & Wood Mallesons
  • Thomas Horn, China Country Head, Macquarie Bank
  • Chris Raciti, Country Head China, ANZ
  • Craig Pasch, Country Chair, China Chief Representative, Woodside Energy
  • Leigh Petschel, Chief Financial Officer, Port of Melbourne
  • David Olsson, National President, ACBC
  • Tom Parker, Chief Executive Officer, ACBC
  • Jingmin Qian, Vice President, ACBC
  • Jenny Chen, President ACBC ACT

Attributable Quotes

“This delegation has underscored a shared ambition on both sides to shape a forward-looking economic relationship. There was a clear intent to build on recent progress and explore new opportunities that benefit both economies.”   Tom Parker, CEO Australia China Business Council

“China remains central to the global minerals supply chain, and our discussions reaffirmed the importance of collaboration on mining and metals, especially for the energy transition. Strengthening these partnerships is essential for securing sustainable value chains and meeting the global demand for decarbonisation.”  Dino Otranto, CEO Fortescue Metals

“Our presence in China has enabled tens of thousands of Chinese people to hear. We see exciting potential in expanding public health initiatives, especially around hearing loss, not only with young children, but older people as well.” Dig Howitt, CEO Cochlear

“We know that if businesses want to capitalise on the opportunities in China, they need to have a long-term outlook. Having scale and bankers on the ground in China gives ANZ unique insight into these opportunities, as we support trade and capital flows, allowing our clients to engage more deeply in the market.” – Chris Raciti, Country Head, China, ANZ

About the Australia China Business Council

Established in 1973, ACBC represents over 450 Australian companies with business interests in and with China. For more than 50 years, ACBC has been a trusted advocate for its members, promoting the benefits of economic cooperation and fostering deeper commercial and cultural ties between Australia and China.

For more information, contact:
Tom Parker, ACBC CEO tom.parker@acbc.com.au  or +61 (0) 413 047 951

Click here for the Media Release

For further information, please contact:
Tom Parker
CEO
tom.parker@acbc.com.au
+61 (0) 413 047 951

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