Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson today announced he will lead a two-part investment and business mission to China in April – and local export-ready businesses are invited to join him.
While the Mayor will undertake the initial part of the mission in partnership with the State Government and other regions to Beijing and Guangzhou, he will travel on to the city of Xiamen, with which our region already enjoys a long standing relationship, to head up a Sunshine Coast delegation of local businesses.
Up to 15 local businesses are invited to join that delegation at their own expense to get an introduction to one of China’s most exciting markets.
“Xiamen has a population of more than 3.6 million people – not far short of New Zealand’s total population,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“The city was one of four original Special Economic Zones opened to foreign investment and trade when China began economic reforms in the early 1980s, and in 2008 it imported $US45.4 billion in goods and services.
“It has economic and trade relations with 162 countries and regions worldwide, and benefits from foreign investment, particularly capital from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.
“The time is right for the Sunshine Coast to develop trade links with Xiamen, so today we are inviting local businesses who are interested in or contemplating new export markets to register their interest with council to participate in the visit.”
Mayor Jamieson said the visit was a first step in improving business, industry and government connections with key international export and investment markets, following council’s adoption of its new International Business Development Program in January.
“We intend maturing the Sunshine Coast’s special relationship with Xiamen to a business development level, and we will be showcasing the strengths of our region, particularly in tourism, food production and agri-business, education and clean-tech industries,” he said.
“The friendship we developed with Xiamen was expertly crafted over many years by Cr Jenny McKay, who will accompany me there as part of the delegation.”
Businesses seeking further information about being part of the visit to Xiamen should contact Carolyn.bullen@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
The Queensland Government mission to Beijing and Guangzhou will focus on tourism infrastructure and property development investment opportunities and is being managed by Trade and Investment Queensland.
Mayor Jamieson will join the State Government mission along with representatives of other councils.