29 March 2018

Gunnedah has further strengthened its ties with direct links to China after a successful trade and investment mission earlier this month.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Gunnedah Shire Council’s General Manager Eric Groth joined a delegation of representatives from Namoi Unlimited on the 15-day trade and investment tour of China.

St Mary’s College Principal Max Quirk joined the Council representatives to discuss student and teacher exchange opportunities with Gunnedah’s Sister City, Yinzhou.

Cr Chaffey said the group met with the principal and government officials associated with the Yinzhou Experimental Middle School to propose an annual program that would allow for cultural and social advancement for both areas.

“We toured the school to investigate the opportunities for exchange programs that will enhance both cultures and will support St Mary’s students in learning Chinese culture and Mandarin. The details are yet to be determined, however, there is a clear desire to establish a partnership between the schools and both governments associated,” Cr Chaffey said.

Following a Sister City arrangement signed in 2017 with Yinzhou Government, a symbolic ceremony was held in the Yinzhou Park in China with an official tree planting and unveiling of a memorial plaque to signify the relationship between the two areas.

“The ceremony was attended by several hundred people and is a true indication of the seriousness and intent that both governments have to see our newly established relationship succeed,” Cr Chaffey said.

Namoi Unlimited representatives delivered seminars for trade and investment options to more than 300 individuals representing private or state-owned enterprises, and trading companies at Guangzhou, Ningbo and Shanghai. The seminars were held in conjunction with government agencies such as NSW Trade and Investment teams from Shanghai and Guangzhou, Department of Primary Industries International Engagement and AusTrade, as well as supported by Chamber of Commerce representatives and other government officials from throughout China.

“During the seminars, Namoi Unlimited Chair Andrew Hope gave a description of our region and spoke of the collaborative nature of which all of our Councils work together for the promotion and support of industry, business and community throughout our region,” Cr Chaffey said.

“I was very proud at all venues to give a brief introduction to the Gunnedah Shire, detailing not only the size, scale and capacity, but also to demonstrate that we are willing to share our trade and investment opportunities internationally on our terms.

“I had the opportunity to highlight the strength and wide range of agricultural products that we produce and spoke in some detail about the processing industry that already exists and how local businesses are already successfully exporting into the Chinese marketplace,” he said.

The main project put forward by Gunnedah Shire Council at the seminars was the opportunity for investment in a multi-species abattoir in Gunnedah.

“We have already received expressions of interest from regional and domestic enterprises, but now we are looking for the final investment required from a well-established end user. To ensure the longevity of a grand scale project such as this abattoir, investment from within the supply chain would be ideal. I was very encouraged by the interest shown in this project and the others presented,” Cr Chaffey said.

“There is a high demand for Australian beef by Chinese consumers, so that puts our project in a good position and fostering those trade and investment connections through these delegations is very important to attract international interest.”

Namoi Unlimited signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ningbo Agricultural Bureau with aims to focus efforts on this particular area of China.

“This means working closer with an area of China that has a population of 7.4 million, is home to the biggest seaport in China, is the second biggest city in its province and is only two hours from Shanghai. This is a good outcome for Gunnedah considering our Sister City is one of 10 governments governed by Ningbo Municipal,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We have so much potential and this recent initiative was a great opportunity for Gunnedah to further expand the great work that has been done already. It will open doors for jobs well into the future for our community.”

Gunnedah Shire Council is expecting many return delegations throughout the year to showcase the trade and investment opportunities the Namoi region has to offer, with Ag Quip generating much interest - as Australia is seen to be a leader in innovative agricultural technology and equipment.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.