West Australian Premier Mark McGowan will lead a five-day trade mission to China to reconnect with the state’s largest trading partner – and unlike his Victorian counterpart, he’s taking the media.
Beginning on April 17, the first trade mission since the start of the coronavirus pandemic will include high-level meetings with key central government and industry leaders in energy, resources, science and innovation, international education and aviation.
Premier Mark McGowan will visit China this month.Credit:Kerry Faulkner
“WA’s economic relationship with China is crucial to the strength of our local economy, supporting thousands and thousands of local WA jobs,” the premier said on Sunday.
“Developed over several decades, our economic relationship with China is a mutually fruitful one.
“This mission is a great opportunity to reconnect with Chinese leaders – from government to industry – and progress new trade and investment opportunities in a range of sectors.”
Led by iron ore and other resources, WA accounted for more than half of Australia’s total trade in goods with China in 2021-22, worth $143.6 billion.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews last week courted controversy by announcing he would travel to China the day before his flight.
Journalists were not invited on his six-day trade mission to Beijing and the Jiangsu and Sichuan provinces, resulting in multiple protests by media outlets.
Source: watoday.com.au
