Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian recently celebrated the 10-year milestone of the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership, highlighting the tangible benefits both nations have enjoyed.
Speaking at the 2024 Australia-China Economic Cooperation Forum in Hobart, Tasmania's capital, Xiao praised the recent collaborations between the two countries. He emphasized that their joint efforts in solar energy technology have set a global example for the green energy movement 🌱🔋. Additionally, the growth in cultural and educational exchange programs has strengthened the bonds between China and Australia.
\"Since the establishment of the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership, our economic and trade cooperation has reached a new level, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples,\" Xiao stated.
He called for continued collaboration to build a more mature, stable, and fruitful partnership, focusing on traditional sectors like trade, energy, and mining, while also leveraging strengths in climate change, energy transition, and innovation.
Established in 2014, the partnership has seen significant achievements. Xiao highlighted the successful visit of the Chinese leader to Tasmania, fostering mutually beneficial exchanges. China remains Tasmania's largest trading partner, with high-quality Tasmanian products such as salmon and cherries highly sought after by Chinese consumers 🍒🐟.
Jeremy Rockliff, the premier of Tasmania, echoed these sentiments, noting that China is the state's strongest global trade partner and the top destination for Tasmanian exports. In August alone, Tasmania exported goods worth 1.4 billion Australian dollars (approximately $920.6 million) to China, accounting for 30% of the state's total exports.
\"China is currently the number one destination for Tasmanian food exports, including world-class seafood, dairy, and whiskey, along with a wide range of premium products,\" Rockliff said.
Looking ahead, Rockliff is set to embark on an official visit to Shanghai, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and Fujian Province in November. This tour aims to further expand the partnership between China and Tasmania across key sectors such as trade, tourism, aquaculture, forestry, arts, and culture 🎨🌊.
