Port of Melbourne Joins Senior Australia China Business Council Delegation to Beijing

Tuesday, November 12, 2024


12 November 2024

Port of Melbourne is pleased to have participated in a senior business delegation to Beijing, led by the Australia China Business Council (ACBC). As the first business-to-government delegation from Australia in several years, the visit provided an instrumental opportunity to explore new pathways for collaboration with one of the nation's key economic partners.

  • Wang Wentao, Minister of Commerce
  • Zhang Shougang, Deputy Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT)
  • Qiu Xiaoping, Vice Chairman, All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC).

China has long been an important trade partner for Port of Melbourne. In FY24, 49 per cent of full container imports into the Port originated from China, while 20 per cent of exports were destined for China.

Mr Petschel said, "As Port of Melbourne's largest import source and export destination, China is a significant partner for the growth of the Australian economy. The visit underscored the importance of sustaining strong ties between our countries as we look towards a resilient and sustainable future."

"Further, in light of China's recent economic stimulus announcements, the visit marked a timely opportunity to reaffirm the strong ongoing bilateral relationship between both nations," added Mr Petschel.

Port of Melbourne wishes to thank and congratulate the ACBC on the successful outcome of the delegation to Beijing, and looks forward to further supporting the Australia-China relationship.