Gunner in China mission

ONE of the biggest Territory business delegations to ever go to China is being gathered to join Chief Minister Michael Gunner in Shenzhen.

Mr Gunner’s five-day trip next month will include Beijing and the port city of Rizhao, the official home of the Darwin Port lessee Landbridge.

The Team NT delegation will use Donghai Airlines new direct flight service from Darwin to Shenzhen.

The Chief Minister, who is a strong supporter of China’s One Belt One Road policy, said the visit is an opportunity to cement current and develop new trade links with China in areas such as tourism, mining, education and agriculture.

An expression of interest for Territory business representatives to participate in the delegation will open next week. Invitations will also be extended to relevant Chinesebusiness and industry representatives. Those attending will be business-matched for meetings in China.

“My Government’s No.1 priority is to create jobs … this visit aims to do that,” Mr Gunner said.

“The visit closely follows the successful One Belt Conference held in Darwin, and Donghai Airlines commencing the first ever direct flights between Shenzhen and Darwin.

“In the last year, trade between China and the Territory was $2.06 billion – including exports worth $1.93 billion – making China our largest international trading partner.”

“It is no secret that we are aiming to increase Chinese visitor numbers to the Territory. Part of that is leveraging the international direct air links and boosting trade and investment opportunities between the Territory and Shenzhen. The importance of the two-way business opportunities with China now that we have direct services with Donghai to Shenzhen cannot be overstated.”

Mr Gunner said the NT welcomed Chinese investment and his government was ready to do more business.

HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE DIRECTOR’S EXCLUSIVE COLUMN P12