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.
Represented by Chief Financial Officer Leigh Petschel, Port of Melbourne engaged with Chinese government and business leaders on trade, investment, and emerging opportunities. The two-day visit, which concluded on 31 October, involved discussions with senior Chinese officials, including:
- He Lifeng, Vice Premier of China
- 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.
For more information contact:
Nicole Ng
Mobile: 0427 700 844
Email: nicole.ng@portofmelbourne.com