PREMIER BAIRD TO MAKE FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO CHINA

(Translation of this article appears in Arabic section)

NSW Premier Mike Baird will lead his first official visit to China next month to strengthen economic and cultural ties with the world’s second-largest economy.

The visit from 3-5 September will be Mr Baird’s first overseas mission as Premier and will promote trade between NSW and China, particularly in the areas of tourism, education and financial services.

“I look forward to meeting senior government leaders, business leaders and potential investors during my visits to Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing,” Mr Baird said.

“I will reinforce the message that NSW is open for business with China, which is our number one trading partner and biggest source of international tourists and visitors.

“In all three cities, I will be pushing the case for Sydney to become a Renminbi settlement hub to make it easier for Australian firms to do business with China.

“This year marks the 35th anniversary of our Sister-State relationship with Guangdong and I look forward to meeting the Government leadership in Guangzhou.

“Governor Zhu Xiaodan will visit Sydney in September for the 25th Joint Economic Meeting that will explore new opportunities as part of our Sister-State relationship.

“Chinese students account for about 30 per cent of all international enrolments in NSW and while in Guangzhou I will look at ways to further promote our world-class education sector.

“In Shanghai, I will meet with tourism industry representatives to boost Chinese tourism to NSW.

“China has already overtaken New Zealand as our biggest tourist market with more than 400,000 Chinese visitors arriving in NSW each year.

“I will also address the Shanghai business community to encourage Chinese firms to take part of the Sydney-Shanghai Financial Services Forum this November.

“In Beijing, I will meet with senior government representatives to progress the 2013 NSW-Beijing Memorandum of Understanding, which pledges cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, education, culture, science and technology.

“I look forward to visiting China for the first time as Premier to continue the great friendship and partnership between NSW and China,” Mr Baird said.