Australian and Chinese business leaders met today in Beijing and provided recommendations to the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Chinese Premier Li Qiang on new opportunities to generate economic growth and jobs.
The Business Council of Australia in partnership with China Development Bank hosted the eighth Australia-China CEO Roundtable with 14 CEOs from major companies attending from both countries.
BCA Chief Executive Bran Black said the Roundtable generated new opportunities for businesses from both countries to collaborate and grow, particularly in resources, education, agriculture, health and care, and the green economy.
"We want to see more trade, more Australian jobs, and a real future for Australian products in China - from decarbonisation of steel, to beef and rice products - and that was reflected in our discussion here in Beijing.
"One in four Australian jobs is trade dependent and so it is vital we increase trade opportunities with all our trading partners, including China."
Mr Black said this was the first time the Roundtable had been held in Beijing since 2016, which was significant for the business-to-business relationship for both countries.
"The Prime Minister is leading this business visit, and I want to acknowledge and recognise his leadership and commitment to this Roundtable, which helps support Australian prosperity back home.
"Today, China accounts for a quarter of all our trade, and overall trade accounts for almost half of Australia's economy, which is why engagements like this matter for every single Australian."
Business recommendations provided to both governments included:
- Find opportunities to modernise ChAFTA.
- Agree simple and consistent green economy definitions to generate capital flow.
- The importance of mutual recognition of qualifications and ensuring that we facilitate the transferability of expertise.
- Opportunities for farmers to partner to develop smart agriculture programs focused on irrigation, precision farming, and technology adoption.
- Establishing a regular ministerial dialogue on education.
- Explore special economic zones and regulatory frameworks to ease cross-border business.
- Facilitate new partnerships between our steelmakers and iron ore resources companies.
- Prioritising collaborative R&D on low-emission steelmaking and green metals.
Mr Black said the Roundtable continues to have a critical role in expanding political engagement to real-world economic outcomes for Australians.
"Business-to-business discussion is important, and while there won't always be agreement on all areas, we should encourage partnerships through engagements like our Roundtable in Beijing."
Participants of the Australia-China CEO Roundtable
From Australia
Business Council of Australia Chief Executive, Mr Bran Black (Australia chair)
ANZ International Managing Director, Mr Simon Ireland
ACBC President, Mr David Olsson AM
BHP Australia President, Ms Geraldine Slattery
BlueScope Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mark Vassella
Fortescue Chairman, Dr Andrew Forrest AO
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Chair and Senior Partner, Ms Rebecca Maslen-Stannage
HSBC Chief Executive, Mr Antony Shaw
JBS Director and Head of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs, Mr John Berry
Macquarie Group Managing Director and CEO, Ms Shemara Wikramanayake
Monash University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Sharon Pickering
Rio Tinto Australia Chief Executive, Ms Kellie Parker
SunRice Chief Executive Officer, Mr Paul Serra
UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Attila Brungs
From China
China Development Bank Chairman and Executive Director, Mr Zhao Huan (Chinese chair)
Bank of China Chairman, Mr Geo Haijiao
Baowu Steel Group Board Member and President, Mr Hou Angui
BYD Founder, Mr Wang Chuanfu
China National Offshore Oil Corporation Director and President, Mr Zhou Xinhuai
COFCO Chairman, Mr Li Guoqiang
CITIC Group Chairman, Mr Xi Guohua
Goldwind Science & Technology Chairman, Mr Wu Gang
Optimize Integration Group Founder and Chairman, Mr Su Zhi
Peking University Council Chair, Mr He Guancai
Sany Heavy Industry Rotating Chairman, Mr Xiang Wenbo
SF Group Founder, Chairman and General Manager, Mr Dick Wong
Tianqi Lithium Industries Chairlady, Ms Jian Anqi
Yili Group Senior Executive President, Mr Liu Chunxi
