Engage China Media Release
Media Release
29 January 2019
Direct knowledge and in-market connections key to success in China
For Australian businesses looking to increase their engagement with import/export opportunities in Chinese markets, careful research and trusted local connections are a key ingredient to success.
Jack Brady, CEO and Executive Director of AustCham Shanghai the peak body for Australian business in China, understands the importance of local knowledge and connections. “China is a complex and diverse market. An understanding of this market, including varying demographic, economic and cultural characteristics, is crucial to any businesses success.”
To assist more businesses with gaining exposure to the various Chinese markets and access to valuable local connections, the Advisory Board Centre has partnered with AustCham Shanghai, International Leaders and the Australia China Business Council for the May 2019 Engage China Trade Mission.
The Engage China Trade Mission will be held from 26th May – 31st May and will include site visits and business meetings in Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Shanghai.Delegates will also attend the prestigious Australia China Business Awards in Hong Kong and may extend their visit to take part in the AFL Premiership game between Port Adelaide and St Kilda at Jiangwan Stadium in Shanghai.
The 2019 Engage China Trade Mission follows on from the successful 2018 Trade Mission to Beijing and Shanghai, led by the Advisory Board Centre and facilitated by the Senior Executive team at AustCham Shanghai.
Louise Broekman, Founder and CEO of the Advisory Board Centre, organised the Engage China Trade Mission to meet the practical needs of business owners exploring opportunities in Chinese import/export markets.
Broekman said, "Leading the 2018 Trade Mission was a privilege as we were able to gain access to local executives and businesses who openly shared their experiences, connections and guidance on how to best maximise the opportunities China.Delegates from the program were overwhelmingly positive about their experience.The Trade Mission has substantially informed their future China strategy with some already operating in market as a direct result of the program and connections. The 2019 program has been specifically designed to provide a practical pathway for businesses and advisors to make informed decisions about their entry into China or to positively increase their current exposure."
James Paulsen, Founder and Executive Director of International Leaders, was a delegate on the 2018 Trade Mission and will also be attending the 2019 program. “The 2018 Engage China Trade Mission provided a realistic and factual understanding of how Australian companies can engage and work with China.The hosts and presenters represented some of Australia’s and China’s leading business people with in-depth expertise and experience to share.”.
The Engage China Trade Mission follows on from recent positive news regarding business opportunities in China including a significant rise in Australia’s services exports.According to a recent media release from Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment,China remained Australia's largest services export market, valued at $16.9 billion, an increase of 17 per cent on 2016-17.
"Our services industries whether it be education, telecommunications or professional and financial services continue to enjoy strong growth and this is good news for the thousands of small businesses across Australia who operate within these sectors,” Minister Birmingham said.
Delegates will have the opportunity to connect in with contacts that have deep engagement and long history of doing business in both Chinese import/export markets.Andrew Whitford, a Certified Advisor Board Chair and former Chief Executive of Westpac Banking Corporation for Hong Kong and China, is adamant that direct knowledge and local connections are an important part of any engagement strategy in the Chinese markets.
Mr Whitford said, “Nothing can replicate actually visiting China and witnessing the phenomenal growth and to explore opportunities by meeting local business leaders. To visit Shenzhen for the first time and to witness the size and pace of this city known as China’s silicon valley which 40 years ago was a fishing village and was used as the pilot for China’s opening to the world. Or to visit Hong Kong and meet with local business leaders who have a “can do” attitude in using this city as the spring board into mainland China or to experience Shanghai, a truly global city with the same population as Australia. The opportunity to join the Engage China Trade Mission to China in May 2019 will give delegates a fantastic opportunity to experience the major growth centres of Greater China, gain a deeper insight into the Greater Bay initiative which will reshape southern China, Hong Kong and Macau in its next growth phase and to meet successful Australian and local businesses.”
Applications to attend the Engage China Trade Mission are now open.For full program details and application information, visit the website.
Media Enquiries
Louise Broekman
louise@advisoryboardcentre.com.au
