Today I announce the appointment of Ms Adelle Neary as Australia's next Consul-General in Chengdu.
The Consulate-General in Chengdu is one of five Australian diplomatic missions in mainland China, supporting our wide-ranging bilateral interests in China's fast-growing southwest provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan and Guizhou, and the municipality of Chongqing. The region is home to over 200 million people and has a combined GDP of $2.3 trillion (2020). The Consulate-General works closely with Australian and local partners to promote business and cultural links, as well as providing consular and other services for Australians.
Australia's trade and investment relationship with China has contributed to economic success in both our countries. China remains our largest trading partner with total annual two-way trade valued at $251 billion (2019-20). We also share longstanding and deep connections between our people.
Ms Neary is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. She has previously served overseas in Vientiane and Jakarta. In Canberra she has undertaken high profile work associated with the MH17 flight disaster as well as contributing to the work of the Foreign Policy White Paper Taskforce. She also served as an Adviser, International Division, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Ms Neary speaks Mandarin and holds a Bachelor of International Studies; a Bachelor of Laws (Honours); and a Bachelor of Science (Jurisprudence) from the University of Adelaide; and, a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the College of Law (NSW).
I thank former Consul-General Mr Christopher Lim for his contributions to advancing Australia's interests in Chengdu since 2017.
