Tasmania’s relationship with China continues to strengthen, marking a new chapter in the state’s trade and investment initiatives. Following a recent five-day trade and investment mission led by Premier Jeremy Rockliff, Tasmania has reaffirmed its position as a key player in global markets, particularly in China, which remains the state’s largest export destination. The mission, which included 12 Tasmanian businesses, visited Hong Kong and mainland China and focused on fostering connections across various industries. From international education to agribusiness, tourism, and Antarctic cooperation, the mission covered a broad range of sectors aimed at creating long-term growth opportunities for Tasmania.
The mission highlighted the importance of maintaining and enhancing trade relations with China and Hong Kong, both of which are vital markets for Tasmanian goods. In fact, in the year leading up to September 2024, China accounted for 31.1 per cent of Tasmania’s total exports, worth a substantial $1.39 billion. Premier Rockliff stressed that maintaining a robust trade link with China was not just beneficial but essential for the state’s economic prosperity. He remarked, “There is a wealth of opportunities for Tasmanian businesses in this market, and it’s important we continue looking at ways to further strengthen these ties.”
One of the most promising outcomes of the mission was the announcement that after a four-year hiatus, Australian Rock Lobster would once again be allowed to enter the Chinese market by Chinese New Year. This move is set to benefit many small family-owned Tasmanian businesses, as China is one of the world’s largest seafood importers. This development marks a key victory for Tasmania’s seafood exporters, showcasing the continued demand for the state’s high-quality produce in the Chinese market.
Another significant achievement came when Premier Rockliff engaged with Beijing Donglong United International Trade Co., a major importer of Tasmanian salmon, worth approximately USD $20 million annually. By the end of the mission, the company had secured an official licence to import Tasmanian Rock Lobster into China, a crucial step in expanding Tasmania’s seafood exports.
Tasmania’s wine and cherry industries also saw considerable progress during the mission. The Premier witnessed the signing of sales agreements for Nocton Vineyard and Pinnacle Fine Foods, which will now have the opportunity to export their products to China. The wine and cherry markets in China have long been promising, and the new agreements are expected to open doors for further growth, particularly given the increasing demand for premium, high-quality food and beverages in the region.
Premier Rockliff also took the opportunity to meet with Tony Cai of Shanghai He Hui Foods Co, who has secured an agreement to import and distribute farmed abalone throughout supermarkets in China. This partnership offers another important route for Tasmanian businesses to break into new markets, reflecting the increasing recognition of the state’s unique products. As Premier Rockliff stated, “It’s clear Tasmania has what the world wants and it’s fantastic that, through trade and investment opportunities, we’re able to provide targeted support for Tasmanian businesses to break into new markets.”
Beyond food and agribusiness, the mission also focused on sectors such as international education, investment, and tourism. Tasmania’s ability to attract international students was showcased through several group events with influential international education agents in Hong Kong and Shanghai. The Premier’s engagement with investors and government officials further highlighted Tasmania’s attractiveness as a destination for investment, with discussions centred on current and future projects that could benefit from foreign capital.
The trade mission was not limited to business engagements but also included a focus on enhancing Tasmania’s transportation links. Premier Rockliff met with Cathay Pacific to discuss the potential for direct passenger and freight airlinks between Tasmania and Hong Kong. This is particularly significant given the importance of efficient transport connections for expanding exports, whether in food, tourism, or other key sectors. Furthermore, the Premier participated in a biennial meeting with Tasmania’s long-standing sister state, Fujian Province. The meeting included presentations on initiatives designed to deepen the economic ties between the two regions, an important step in furthering Tasmania’s role in Asia-Pacific trade.
An educational highlight of the mission was the launch of a new scholarship program during Premier Rockliff’s visit to Fuzhou No 8 School, a sister school of Hobart College. This initiative will strengthen the links between Tasmania and China in the education sector and provide opportunities for the next generation of Tasmanians to benefit from greater cultural and academic exchanges.
The mission also included a visit to the Polar Research Institute of China in Shanghai, with the goal of inviting the Xue Long 1 and 2 vessels to reengage with the Port of Hobart as part of their Antarctic research program. Tasmania’s strategic location and its proximity to Antarctica make it an ideal hub for scientific research and international cooperation in the region. By fostering closer ties with Chinese research institutes, Tasmania aims to solidify its role as a key player in the Southern Ocean and Antarctic programs, areas where the state has a long-standing expertise and presence.
Premier Rockliff reflected on the success of the mission, noting the importance of Tasmania’s international trade. “International trade is critical to Tasmania’s economy, with our state’s international exports adding close to $6 billion per annum into the economy while supporting thousands of jobs. We will continue exploring off-island market opportunities that will enable our state’s exporters to grow and expand,” he said.
The mission to China marks a significant moment in Tasmania’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy and expand its export base. The strong outcomes from this trip, including new agreements, strengthened relationships, and increased trade opportunities, demonstrate the continued potential for Tasmanian businesses to thrive on the global stage. As Premier Rockliff concluded, “This mission has underscored the importance of a strong trade and investment link with China and Hong Kong, which are both key markets for Tasmania.”
Tasmania’s businesses, from food producers to educators and researchers, are now better positioned to tap into these lucrative markets, offering high-quality products and services to a rapidly growing economy. The Premier’s leadership in advancing these connections will undoubtedly continue to bear fruit as Tasmania looks to increase its footprint in Asia and beyond. The results of this trade mission showcase the state’s ability to turn strategic relationships into tangible outcomes for businesses, ensuring a prosperous future as part of Tasmania’s broader 2030 Strong Plan for a more diversified and resilient economy.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Donate To The Indian Sun
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun is an independent organisation committed to community journalism. We have, through the years, been able to reach a wide audience especially with the growth of social media, where we also have a strong presence. With platforms such as YouTube videos, we have been able to engage in different forms of storytelling. However, the past few years, like many media organisations around the world, it has not been an easy path. We have a greater challenge. We believe community journalism is very important for a multicultural country like Australia. We’re not able to do everything, but we aim for some of the most interesting stories and journalism of quality. We call upon readers like you to support us and make any contribution. Do make a DONATION NOW so we can continue with the volume and quality journalism that we are able to practice.
Thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Team The Indian Sun
