Minister for Investment and Trade, Martin Hamilton-Smith, will today officially open a new and expanded office in Jinan to provide a focal point for South Australia’s growing trade relationship with Shandong Province.
The office is at a central city location easily accessed by South Australia’s existing and future government, research and education, and business partners in Jinan, the capital of Shandong Province.
Minister Hamilton-Smith will officially open the office this evening (Thursday). The function is an important event in the South Australia Business Mission, led by Premier Jay Weatherill and Minister Hamilton-Smith and includes high-profile meetings to strengthen South Australia’s relationship with key figures in Guangzhou, Qingdao, Yantai and Shanghai as well as Jinan.
Department of State Development Chief Executive Mark Duffy and his counterparts at Primary Industries and Regions SA, Scott Ashby, and Investment Attraction South Australia, Mike Hnyda, will also attend the opening, along with other members of the 200-member group exploring trade and investment opportunities in Jinan this week.
Background
The South Australia-China Engagement Strategy nominates Shandong Province as a region with significant trade, investment, education and cultural opportunities for South Australia.
South Australia has a 30-year official partnership with Shandong Province.The South Australia Business Mission is building on the success of earlier missions and the strengthening connections with the region to explore new and expanding government, research and education, and business opportunities for South Australian companies.
Some delegates are attending the Port Adelaide Football Club’s historic AFL game against the Gold Coast Suns in Shanghai on 14 May.For more information about South Australia’s strategic relationship with China, visit the Department of State Development’s website.
Quotes attributable to Investment and Trade Minister Martin Hamilton-Smith
Shandong Province has been an increasingly important partner for South Australia for many years. This mission is building on the work of earlier missions and a great deal of effort by all stakeholders in South Australia and in China to build and secure real opportunities for South Australian businesses, research and education institutions, and government agencies.Our ongoing work in China, and specifically in this region, requires appropriate and accessible offices that help us reach and meet potential and existing partners, and helps them easily engage with us.
This new office is an important development in our increasingly important and productive relationship with our very significant partners in Jinan and nearby areas of Shandong Province.