A promotional seminar for the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) was held in Melbourne, Australia, on Feb 19 local time. The event was attended by representatives from 13 organizations and firms, including the Australia China Agribusiness Association (ACABA), the Dairy Industry Association of Australia (DIAA), Riversdale Estate Winery, and Australian Made Campaign Limited (AMCL).

Representatives engage in discussion during the seminar. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

Fang Xinwen, consul general of China in Melbourne, spoke at the seminar and highlighted the significant role of the CIIE in helping Australian businesses, particularly those from Victoria, enter the Chinese market. He emphasized that the CIIE has become an important platform for Victorian companies to showcase their products not only to China but also to the global market.

Fang added that China has been Australia's largest trading partner for several years and expressed confidence that the 8th CIIE would further enhance China-Australia economic and trade cooperation.

Ivan Veljkovic, senior trade manager for food and fibre exports at Global Victoria, the Victorian government's trade facilitation and promotion agency, emphasized China's importance as a key export market for Victoria. He said that the Victorian government has established several offices in China in an effort to better understand the market and actively supports local businesses in participating in the CIIE.

After the 7th CIIE, more than 90 percent of Victorian businesses expressed satisfaction with their experience, Veljkovic said, adding that Victoria was honored to be among the top 30 exhibiting groups in terms of media coverage and influence at the expo.

Wu Zhengping, deputy director-general of the CIIE Bureau, praised the strong participation of Australian companies at the 7th CIIE, noting the wide range of products on display. He encouraged Australian businesses to continue using the CIIE to bring more quality, distinctive products to China.

He also promised that the CIIE Bureau will continue to collaborate with organizations like Global Victoria to provide excellent exhibition services, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.

While in Australia, the CIIE working team also met with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) in Sydney for a discussion about the 8th CIIE. Representatives from various exhibitors and buyers, as well as over 40 companies including Seamild, Successfield, and Swan Wine, attended online.

The CIIE working team meets with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) in Sydney. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

During the meeting, John Madew, senior trade and investment commissioner at Austrade, stated that the agency would soon begin the exhibition recruitment process and will lead the Australian delegation to the 8th CIIE.

Additionally, the CIIE working team visited Tom Parker, national chief executive officer of the Australia China Business Council, and Deborah Healey, director of the China International Business and Economic Law Centre at the University of New South Wales, for further discussions on the 8th CIIE and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum.

The CIIE working team meets with Tom Parker and Deborah Healey. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

By Zhao Guangmei