China, Australia explore new partnerships in Qianhai

A visitor walks past a kangaroo display at the G’Day GBA Australia Pop-up Market in Qianhai on Sept. 12. Photos by Liu Xudong unless otherwise stated

The China (Shenzhen)-Australia Trade and Economic Exchange was held in Qianhai from Sept. 11 to 13, combining business talks with cultural activities to promote trade and investment ties and deepen people-to-people exchanges between China and Australia.

The three-day event featured two main programs: the China (Shenzhen)-Australia Trade and Economic Exchange Conference, which brought together government and business representatives from both sides, and the G’Day GBA Australia Pop-up Market, which showcased Australian food, products and culture.

Four parallel sessions focused on Qianhai’s development opportunities, Australian investment policies, clinical trials, and food consumption in China and Australia. Representatives from relevant companies held discussions on potential partnerships, with several agreements signed at the event. 

A speaker addresses attendees at the China (Shenzhen)-Australia Trade and Economic Exchange Conference in Qianhai on Sept. 11. Chang Zhipeng

Chen Hu, a second-level inspector with the Guangdong Provincial Department of Commerce, said Guangdong is one of the most important gateways for China-Australia economic and trade cooperation, with Guangdong-Australia imports and exports accounting for one-eighth of the two countries’ total bilateral trade. He said more than 2,000 Australian companies have invested and established operations in Guangdong, adding that the two sides have complementary industries and a strong foundation for cooperation.

Chen expressed hope that the event would serve as a platform for expanding cooperation between Guangdong and Australia in areas including the digital economy and artificial intelligence, while promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

Maree Ringland, consul-general of Australian Consulate General in Guangzhou, said two-way trade between China and Australia had surpassed 326 billion Australian dollars (US$232.37 billion), thanks in part to the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement. She said China remained Australia’s largest trading partner and an important market for Australian products, adding that Qianhai, often described as a “special zone within the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone,” has long served as a key foothold for Australian trade with China.

“Australian companies in financial services, education, health care and other sectors have long sought opportunities to expand in Qianhai,” Ringland said. “Holding this event in Qianhai is therefore especially timely.”

The G’Day GBA Australia Pop-up Market featured a variety of authentic Australian foods and products. Visitors also experienced Australian culture through photo opportunities, interactive games and educational and cultural exchange activities.

Visitors browse booths, sample drinks and take part in activities at the G’Day GBA Australia Pop-up Market in Qianhai.

According to organizers, Qianhai plans to make greater use of its role as a platform for opening up, expand two-way trade, and attract more Australian agricultural and livestock products, specialty consumer goods and green-energy products. 

Qianhai also plans to support companies from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area seeking to enter or expand in the Australian market and promote two-way investment and broader economic, trade and cultural cooperation between Shenzhen and Australia.