Today I will travel to Shanghai to lead a record delegation of Australian businesses to the world's biggest import fair -the China International Import Expo (CIIE).
CIIE is an important platform for Australian businesses to showcase their world-class goods and services to our largest export market, helping create jobs and grow our economy.
I am proud to support a record 256 Australian businesses at CIIE this year as together we seek opportunities to grow and diversify their markets.
Australian businesses exhibiting at CIIE will showcase a wide range of products seeing strong demand in the Chinese market: from packaged foods, dairy, meat, seafood, wine and beverages to healthcare and consumer goods.
The Expo will deliver real outcomes for Aussie exporters - I will have an opportunity to witness the signing of commercial MOUs worth millions of dollars between Australian and Chinese businesses.
The event also provides an opportunity to promote Australia as a tourist destination - we are committed to giving Chinese visitors a world-class experience in Australia.
While in Shanghai, I will meet China's Commerce Minister, Wang Wentao, for our 12th bilateral meeting where we will discuss a range of bilateral issues that are significant to the Australia-China relationship, as well as broader international trade developments.
China is our largest trading partner and will remain so for the foreseeable future, with total two-way trade reaching $312 billion in 2024.
Through regular dialogue, the Australian Government is expanding engagement with China in areas of shared interest, while continuing to speak out on the issues that matter to Australians.
Footage of the visit will be available at Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Media Library.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell
"China is Australia's largest trading partner - larger than our next three combined with businesses and jobs across Australia supported by our relationship."
"The record number of Australian businesses travelling to the expo means our world class agricultural, industrial and services exports are on show and ready to meet Chinese demand."
"Australia is a trading nation and our government is committed to finding new markets and new opportunities for Australian exporters."
