On July 7, 2014, Imperial Springs International Convention Center hosted the grand opening of Imperial Springs Summit – 2014 China–Australia Economic Forum. This forum was organized by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, co-organized by the Association of Australia China Friendship and Exchange, and co-hosted by China Imperial Springs International Summit, KINGOLD Group and Guangdong Huaxing Bank
Mr. Ma Peihua, Vice-chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) of the People’s Republic of China; Mr. John Howard, former Prime Minister of Australia; Mr. Ma Zhaoxu, Chinese Ambassador to Australia; Mme. Zhao Yufang, Vice Governor of Guangdong Province; Mr. Xie Yuan, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries; Mr. Song Hai, Executive Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of China National Democratic Construction Association; Mr. Dominic Trindade, Consul-General of the Australian Consulate-General in Guangzhou; and Dr. Chau Chak Wing, President of Association of Australia China Friendship and Exchange and Chairman of the KINGOLD Group, along with more than 200 statesmen, business leaders and renowned entrepreneurs from both China and Australia, attended the forum and conducted in-depth discussions on hot issues, difficulties, and challenges in China–Australia economy and trade. They contributed important thoughts and suggestions about the promotion of a comprehensive partnership between the two countries, as well as sustainable and steady development of China¬–Australia economic and trade relations.
Mr. Ma Peihua, Vice-chairperson of the National Committee of the CPPCC, delivered an opening address, expressing his congratulations on the opening of the forum. Mr. Ma pointed out that although China and Australia are located in the northern and southern hemispheres, the two countries have enjoyed a long and profound friendship. Since the official establishment of diplomatic relations in December 1972, China and Australia have seen their relations develop by leaps and bounds. The two countries have had close communications from the top down to all levels. They have conducted significant and effective cooperation in all areas, including economy, trade, people-to-people exchanges and culture. And they have maintained close contact and coordination on regional issues. Economic and trade cooperation has been an important driving force of Sino-Australian relations. Australia enjoys abundant resources, a highly developed economy, and advanced technologies, while China boasts a large population, a vast market and huge development potential. The two economies are therefore very complementary. As long as the two sides maintain a spirit of mutual respect, mutual benefit and win-win; view Sino-Australian relations from a long-term and strategic perspective; and strengthen dialogues and expand cooperation they can take the China–Australia strategic partnership to an even higher level and serve the interests of their two peoples better.
Mr. John Howard, former Prime Minister of Australia, delivered a keynote speech in which he spoke about the economic development of China and Australia, major trends, and the historical opportunities of Sino-Australian economic cooperation. Mr. Howard pointed out that the Australian Government has always been devoted to the development of friendly relations and economic and trade exchanges with China. The two sides should continue to enhance cooperation in all sectors, and on the basis of existing cooperation, open new areas and scale new heights of economic and trade cooperation.
In the roundtable discussion, Dr. Li Yongning, Professor of Guangdong Research Institute for International Strategies, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, and Executive Board Member of the Guangzhou People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, acted as the emcee. He was joined by Dr. Jim Harrowell, Partner of Hunt and Hunt Lawyers; Mr. Yan Weibin, Chairman of Ausnutria; and Mrs. Margaret Jack, consultant of Adecco Group. In the exciting interactive discussions, business representatives shared their experiences of developing business in both countries. By analyzing the strengths of Chinese and Australian trade, they discussed how to identify business opportunities in both countries and proposed solutions accordingly, thus creating greater possibilities for global cooperation in the private sector.