South Australia’s relationship with the People’s Republic of China has received an enormous boost with the news that a Chinese Consulate-General will be established in Adelaide.
The Consulate-General will further promote economic, trade, scientific, technological, cultural and educational ties between South Australia and China, supporting the 50,000 Chinese nationals that call our State home.
Premier Jay Weatherill said the news is recognition of South Australia’s mutually beneficial and prosperous relationship with the world’s most populous nation.
“The South Australian Government has placed a significant focus on our engagement with China and we have opened up significant trade opportunities, as well as opportunities to deepen educational and cultural exchange,” Mr Weatherill said.
“The news that China will open a Consulate-General office in Adelaide is excellent for Chinese people that call South Australia their home and makes our State a more attractive place for Chinese tourism, trade and other important links.
“As many as 25 high level Chinese officials will be based at the Consulate, embedding a new presence here that will support further exchange for many decades to come.
“Since we released the South Australia-China Engagement Strategy in December 2012, the level of engagement with China has deepened significantly.
“Today’s announcement comes on the back of our effort to develop closer government-to-government, economic and cultural ties over this period.
“I would like to thank and congratulate the Commonwealth Government for assisting the State Government in coming to this arrangement which will be of great benefit to both nations.”
China presently has a Consulate presence in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.
The Chinese Government is presently undertaking a process to identify an appropriate facility in which to base the Consulate.
The announcement forms part of the Free Trade Agreement being signed between Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Chinese President Xi Jinping today.
Investment and Trade Minister Martin Hamilton-Smith said the benefits of the Free Trade Agreement will be spread across South Australia’s broad export sectors including minerals and energy, education, tourism, wine and agribusiness, professional services, clean technologies and advanced manufacturing.