A second Invest and Trade WA office has opened in China, bolstering trade and investment opportunities with WA’s largest trading partner.
Located in Hangzhou, the new office will help to deepen WA’s longstanding relationship with the Zhejiang province and promote further economic opportunities between the sister-states.
WA is the only Australian state to have a presence in Zhejiang, which is one of China’s most economically advanced provinces.
Zhejiang has a population of around 65 million and is home to several major technology companies, including Alibaba Group.
“WA’s strong trade relationship with China is crucial to our economic prosperity, so having an increased presence in an a strategically important city like Hangzhou will help to cement that relationship,” says CCIWA CEO Chris Rodwell.
“Trade offices play a vital role in connecting WA businesses and products to key overseas markets.”
Zhejiang-WA relationship deepens
In May 2022, WA renewed its sister-state agreement with Zhejiang, with a focus on expanding trade opportunities in primary industries, technology, new energy and health and medical life sciences.
WA’s universities also share strong collaborative relationships with their Zhejiang counterparts in research and development.
“We’ve enjoyed a sister-state relationship with Zhejiang Province for more than 30 years, and with rapidly growing opportunities in clean energy, technology and primary industries, now is the time to step up our engagement,” says Premier Roger Cook.
“A strong trading relationship with China will help to ensure our economy remains strong long into the future, helping to support local jobs right across WA.”
The Hangzhou office will be overseen by WA’s Investment and Trade Commissioner for Greater China, and supported by three locally engaged staff, including a dedicated Education Business Development Manager.
The follows China removing heavy tariffs on wine in March 2024 and barley in August 2023.
The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (CHAFTA) has been in operation since 2015 and enables Australian businesses greater access to China, one of the world’s most competitive markets.
If you are looking for support or advice in business, investment or trade, contact our experienced International Trade Services team at [email protected].
