The China (Chongqing)–Australia Economic and Trade Promotion Conference was recently held in Melbourne. (Photo/Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce)
Chongqing - More than 400 government and business representatives from Chongqing and Australia recently gathered in Melbourne to explore new opportunities for trade, investment and closer economic ties.
A delegation of 25 Chongqing consumer companies showcased products and sought Australian partners across food, automobiles, home furnishings, education, logistics and creative industries.
Liu Dianxun, Director of the Trade Development Bureau of China’s Ministry of Commerce, said the two economies are highly complementary and have a solid foundation for further trade and economic cooperation.
Chi Jiechao, Counsellor for Economic and Commercial Affairs at the Chinese Consulate General in Melbourne, said Chongqing’s growth in new energy vehicles and the digital economy, alongside rising demand for premium food, health products, education, tourism and modern services, is creating opportunities for Australian businesses.
Investment already extends beyond consumer goods. Australian elevator companies have established China headquarters in Chongqing, while Australian-owned auto parts makers supply lighting systems and rearview mirrors to Changan Automobile, said Xu Yao, Deputy Director General of the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce.
These companies are part of a broader Australian presence in Chongqing, where investors have established 113 enterprises with contracted investment exceeding 300 million U.S. dollars across manufacturing, technology and business services.
Supporting these business ties, the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC) links Chongqing with 599 ports in 128 countries and regions, providing inland China with access to markets across Oceania, including Australia.
Australian government and business representatives also outlined opportunities in urban services, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and Victoria’s food and fibre exports.
Melbourne Councillor Gladys Liu highlighted the two cities’ complementary strengths in consumer industries and urban services. Tim Simons of the Victorian Small Business Commission outlined support for smaller firms, while Global Victoria representatives presented the state’s export strengths and international connections.
Representatives from Me Candy (Chongqing) Food Technology, Australian Automotive Trading Group, Chongqing Tan Mu Jiang, Nature One Dairy, Chongqing Guhao Wood Industry and Oak Leaf Academy presented their business strengths and partnership needs across food trade, automobiles, creative products, dairy supply chains, home furnishings, vocational education and skills training.
During one-on-one meetings, companies discussed product distribution, cross-border logistics, brand partnerships and two-way investment. Australian businesses showed particular interest in Chongqing-made cultural and creative products, green home furnishings and access to consumer markets in western China.
Several companies agreed to arrange site visits and continue negotiations after the conference. Australian participants said the targeted matchmaking had helped them identify potential partners and promising business opportunities.
Chongqing and Australia explore new opportunities for cooperation. (Photo/Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce)
(Li Jiayan, as an intern, also contributed to this report.)