Australian ambassador sees strong ties with Shenzhen ahead of APEC

Australian Ambassador to China Scott Dewar returned to Shenzhen this week with a message of partnership and optimism, as the city ramps up preparations to host the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in November.

“First of all, it’s great to be back in Shenzhen, always a great city to visit,” Dewar said in an interview during a visit to the city Monday.

Scott Dewar, Australian Ambassador to China, poses for a photo during an interview with a Shenzhen Special Zone Daily reporter. Liang Yihang 

He pointed to the Dapeng LNG terminal, China’s first-ever liquefied natural gas import facility, which received its maiden cargo from Australia. “I’m reminded of those strong links that we have every time that I come,” he said.

Dewar said he has seen visible signs of APEC preparations across the city. “Looking around, I can see lots of work going on for APEC,” Dewar said. “I think Australia and China are going to work really well in the APEC space together this year.”

An LNG carrier docks at the Dapeng LNG terminal in Shenzhen. The facility, China’s first liquefied natural gas import terminal, received its first cargo from Australia and remains a longstanding link in China-Australia energy trade. Photos by Shenzhen Special Zone Daily

As one of APEC's founding members, Australia hosted the inaugural APEC ministerial meeting in Canberra in 1989 and remains a strong supporter. “We really strongly believe in APEC and what it can deliver,” Dewar said.

He said this year’s meeting is a critical opportunity to reaffirm commitments to free and fair trade, open markets and regional connectivity. “At this time in the world, it’s more important than ever that we recommit to a free and fair trade, to open markets and to building connectivity across the region,” he said. “We think this year’s meeting is a really good opportunity to focus on those key issues for all of us.”

Trade between Australia and China has deepened over decades. Australia supplies coal, iron ore, natural gas and agricultural products to China, while importing Chinese goods such as new-energy vehicles and other high-tech products.

A BYD vehicle carrier sails at sea. Shenzhen-based BYD has expanded rapidly in overseas markets, including Australia, where the company has become one of the country’s top-selling auto brands.

Dewar noted that BYD, the Shenzhen-based electric vehicle maker, was Australia’s second-highest-selling car brand in April.“In fact, BYD was the second most popular car in Australia recently, the second most popular brand,” he said.

The ambassador also highlighted emerging cooperation in high-tech medical devices. He cited Cochlear, an Australian company that produces hearing implants for people who are profoundly deaf. “And for an Australian company to make that technology available to people in China is just fantastic,” he said.

Dewar described Shenzhen as a central node in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, a region he said offers significant opportunities for Australian companies. Many Australian firms already operate in Hong Kong, and he sees Shenzhen and Guangzhou as natural next steps. “I think making sure that we’re working well together in the GBA concept will be a really important part of what we do going forward,” he said. “And Shenzhen is going to be a really important partner for that.”

Before the APEC leaders gather in November, Australia is hosting a cultural and business event called "G'Day GBA" in Shenzhen this September, featuring Australian food, wine, sport and innovation. 

“In Australia, we say G’day, that’s our informal hello,” Dewar said. He encouraged Shenzhen residents to attend. “Come down and say G’day Australia, G‘day GBA,” he said. “That’s the spirit of APEC, everyone getting together and sharing ideas and opportunities.”

Dewar said Australia is committed to being a reliable supplier of high-quality resources to global markets, particularly to partners in China. He sees long-term potential in energy cooperation and new areas such as electric vehicles and medical technology.

Australia is “deeply committed to being a reliable supplier of high-quality resources into global markets, and particularly to our partners here in China,” he said. “Shenzhen will be right at the heart of that.”