I am in China this morning, in Beijing and about to head out for the first event in a Trade Mission organised by the Victorian Government. My software company was invited to participate in pursuit of sales opportunities to independent and small retailers here. There are 600 delegates here from 400 companies. Plus the Premier and several ministers. It’s the biggest ever trade mission from Victoria and my first.
We will be covering five cities over the next five days before a couple of days in Hong Kong and business elsewhere in Asia for three days. So, blogging could be light. I have racked up some posts ready to go on topics I think will interest newsagents. I’ll be in daily contact with my newsagencies and other colleagues and will try and publish posts to help facilitate the conversations we have here.
Here is part of what Business Victoria has published about the trade mission:
The Super Trade Mission to China is the largest ever to leave Australia’s shores. China is Victoria’s largest trading partner and is a major engine of global economic growth. As China’s economy grows and its appetite for sophisticated consumer products develops, Victorian organisations offer a safe and superior range of goods and services for the China market.
This historic mission allows participants to gain a first-hand understanding of China’s market dynamics and give them the opportunity to showcase their organisation and forge new connections with potential qualified customers, business partners and investors.
This mission strengthens the Victorian investment relationship with China significantly and generate substantial new opportunities for both economies, as well as additional exports and jobs for Victoria.
Participants represent industries of strategic importance to both Victoria and China including: automotive, aviation and aerospace, cleantech, education, food and beverage, ICT, life sciences, mining equipment and technology services, professional services (including financial, carbon markets and healthcare), sustainable urban design and tourism.
While I am here for my software business, I also plan to take in the retail situation and learn from the opportunities in this rapidly growing economy.