Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has embarked on her first official visit to China as Premier, reaffirming the state’s historic ties and unveiling a new strategy to boost future engagement.
“Victoria and China share more than 150 years of history. Our old friendship has made our lives better and our economy stronger,” Allan said in a media release.
China is currently Victoria’s largest trading partner and the top source of international visitors.
Allan said the visit was aimed at strengthening economic opportunities while deepening cultural links.
The Premier’s itinerary includes Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing in Jiangsu Province – Victoria’s earliest sister-state – and Chengdu and Deyang in Sichuan Province, its newest sister-state. She is joined by Paul Hamer MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Jobs and Member for Box Hill.
In Beijing, Allan will launch Victoria’s China Strategy, a five-year plan to position the state as the “first port of call for Chinese business to innovate and invest – and the destination of choice for Chinese people to visit and study.”
Allan acknowledged the role of Victoria’s Chinese community in shaping the visit and the strategy.
“They honour us as our navigators in Chinese business and life. I’ll be proud to represent them – and all Victorians – in China this week.”
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