Since 1987, Western Australia and China’s Zhejiang Province have enjoyed a strategic partnership – a sister-state relationship that has continued to grow and flourish, creating mutual opportunities and shared prosperity.

2021 also marks the 21st anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Bunbury and Jiaxing in Zhejiang.

This week, the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation and the Zhejiang Department of Foreign Affairs co-hosted a unique Western Australia-Zhejiang 8th Exchange Committee virtual meeting.

The event brings both regions together and is an opportunity to review current projects, and propose future projects to expand the scope of the sister-state agreement.

While Western Australia and Zhejiang historically take turns to host the meetings, this year’s event was the first virtual exchange and demonstrated the depth of the sister-state relationship, which continues to thrive through challenging times.

Western Australia’s Deputy Premier Roger Cook and Vice Governor XU Wenguang opened the event. Other key speakers included Minister for Innovation and ICT, the Honourable Don Punch and the Consul General for the People’s Republic of China, Mr Long Dingbin.

The WA-Zhejiang Exchange Committee meeting featured a shared opening ceremony followed by concurrent virtual seminars on new opportunities in key sectors including new energy, international education and cross border e-commerce.

The sister-state relationship has expanded exponentially over the years, with multiple economic, cultural and social exchange activities between the two regions.

Bilateral collaboration has covered multiple areas of shared interest, from education, agriculture, resources, land administration and regional development, to feature film, policing, health care and disability services.

People-to-people exchanges have involved students, teachers, government officials, artists and musicians.

At this year’s virtual exchange special guests, including heads of state agencies, local government and industry leaders, participated in seminars on new energy; education and training; and a workshop on cross border e-commerce.

China has been Western Australia’s top trading partner since 2006-07. There are currently about 80 Chinese companies operating in WA, contributing around $30 billion of investment to the state.

Western Australia’s strategic partnerships, including the state’s sister-state relationships, strengthen WA’s engagement with Asia and assist investors and exporters to enter priority markets in Asia.

If you are looking for opportunities in business, investment or trade, contact our experienced team at Invest and Trade WA. Our in-house experts can support you directly and provide referrals or introductions across our network of overseas offices, industry bodies and government agencies.

Investandtrade@jtsi.wa.gov.au

Published on: 03 September 2021