- The four-day mission marks the first official visit of Premier Roger Cook to China and the first WA Government mission to Sichuan Province in China's southwest
- High level meetings to be held with Chinese Government stakeholders and industry leaders in both Sichuan and Shanghai
- China remains WA's largest trading partner with over $158 billion of goods traded in 2022-23
Premier Roger Cook will lead his first official mission to China, where he will continue to promote mutually beneficial outcomes between Western Australia and China and explore new investment and trade opportunities.
As a part of the WA Government mission, the Premier will also be leading the first visit to Sichuan Province in China's southwest region. Southwestern China has become an increasingly important economic hub in recent years and Sichuan Province, home to over 83 million people, has long been considered the gateway to the region.
While WA has already attracted significant investment from Sichuan-based companies in the energy sector, this visit is a chance to explore opportunities in other sectors within this rapidly emerging market.
During the visit, the State Government will promote future collaboration opportunities in areas such as tourism, international education and aviation, in line with Diversify WA, the State's economic development framework.
The Premier will also be visiting Shanghai, where he is set to meet with key industry leaders in resources and aviation, as well as investors and leading stakeholders from the Chinese energy sector.
During the course of the four-day mission, the Premier will also undertake high-level meetings with key Chinese Government leaders to help raise the profile of WA in China, build further awareness of the State's strengths and capabilities and deepen the bilateral relationship.
This mission marks the second visit by the State Government to China this year, following a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Western Australia accounted for 52 per cent of Australia's total trade goods with China over the last financial year, trading $158.1 billion in goods.
The mission takes place from 20 November to 24 November 2023.
Visit Invest and Trade WA's China Market Outlook 2022-23 for more information on trade and investment opportunities: https://www.wa.gov.au/system/files/2023-03/China_Market_Outlook_2022-23.pdf
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"I am excited to embark on what is my first official mission to China as the Premier of Western Australia.
"China is WA's largest trading partner and has been the State's largest market for goods exports over the past 17 years, as well as accounting for 55% of the State's goods exports in 2022-23.
"This visit presents an exciting opportunity to build Western Australia's profile in China and showcase our strengths and capabilities to the emerging market in southwest China.
"The relationship that WA has with China is mutually beneficial, and one that has created thousands of local jobs and a long investment and trade history.
"This mission is a fantastic opportunity to deepen the relationship we have as well as explore new avenues in which we can work together."
