By Ian Williams
Calling South Australian businesses wanting a direct channel into China.
A new website designed to open up trade opportunities is running in parallel with next month’s State trade mission to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the special relationship with Shandong.
The business-to-business platform aims to identify small to medium enterprises with export potential.
It’s an initiative of the Local Government Association of SA (LGA) in partnership with the Australia China Business Council SA (ACBC).
“We’re calling it a supported pathway because local government in both South Australia and Shandong is playing a big role to make sure there are good quality opportunities on the website,” said LGA President, Mayor Dave Burgess.
The Shandong Department of Commerce is also backing the project which will provide potential exposure to 1,000 Chinese businesses and investors in five cities across the province.
“It’s important that the site has real integrity so all information is pre-qualified by a trade and investment panel first,” said Mayor Burgess. “The fact that it’s government supported gives companies on both sides confidence when they start engaging with each other.
So far 25 metropolitan and regional businesses have been approved for the site which will be in both English and Chinese. The goal is to have a minimum of 50 profiled before the trade mission leaves in early April.
Twenty SA councils are actively encouraging businesses to take part.
“Councils are taking a real leadership role in this and providing important support for the State Government,” said Mayor Burgess. “The excitement in this area is enormous because of the potential but companies do need encouragement.
“This website provides them with a direct channel into China so that they can start generating leads.”
Last year’s trade mission attracted about 250 delegates and at least that many are expected again this year. Among the sectors taking part are food and wine, agribusiness, health and aged care, tourism, education and resources industry.
Interested businesses should contact the Australia China Business Council.
Images supplied courtesy of the LGA of South Australia.