On the afternoon of December 8, 2022, the 2022 Annual General Meeting of China Chamber of Commerce in Australia (CCCA) was successfully held in Canberra. This conference is the first offline national conference held by CCCA in three years since the outbreak of COVID. The conference is also on the occasion of celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Australia, which is of great significance. Xiao Qian, Chinese Ambassador to Australia, Amelia Henty, Deputy Director-General of the Foreign Investment Department of the Australian Department of Treasury, and Lachlan Crews, Deputy Director-General of the East Asia Department of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade attended and delivered speeches.

Gao Feng, Commercial Counselor of the Embassy in Australia, Ye Wei, Counselor of the Economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese Consulate General in Sydney, and heads of the commercial organizations in Australia, and the new president of CCCA, Ren Li, the presidents of the state branches, the executive directors, directors,  authorized representatives, sponsor representatives, and some members from all over Australia, about 150 people, gathered together to warmly celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Australia. And active interactions have been carried out focusing on further leveraging the platform advantages of CCCA to promote the business development of all Australian member companies and promote China-Australia economic and trade investment, cooperation and development. The meeting was presided over by Chen Min, Secretary-General of CCCA.

Ms. Ren Li, President of CCCA, delivered a welcome speech. She said that CCCA Annual General Meeting was held at the important historical milestone of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Australia. The top leaders of China and Australia had just recently had a constructive meeting in Bali, which is very encouraging . CCCA cherishes the cooperation and trust established between the business of the two countries, and is full of confidence in the long-term development prospects of China-Australia economic relations. Chinese enterprises in Australia are optimistic about Australia’s diversified and dynamic market, are open to seeking new cooperation, and hope to conduct transparent and fruitful exchanges with Australia. President Ren Li extended a warm welcome to the guests attending the meeting and expressed her heartfelt thanks to all support and encouragement.

Ambassador Xiao Qian delivered an important speech on China-Australia relations at the meeting. Ambassador Xiao said that the restart of China-Australia relations has generally started well this year. The leaders of the two countries met successfully during the G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia, opening a new chapter in China-Australia relations and charting the course for the healthy development of bilateral relations. The economic structures of China and Australia are highly complementary, and the prospects for cooperation are broad. Especially in the fields of climate change, green energy and infrastructure construction, the business circles of the two countries can complement each other and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results in technology, capital, talent and market. Ambassador Xiao affirmed the long-term work of CCCA to ensure the sound operation of Chinese-funded enterprises and promote the healthy development of Chinese-funded enterprises. He congratulated the newly-elected president Ms Ren Li, vice-president and committee members. Under the new situation, seize opportunities, meet challenges, play a better role, strengthen communication with the Australian government and local business associations, help member companies expand cooperation with Australia in traditional fields, and actively explore emerging areas such as climate change and new energy. Cooperation in various fields will make new and greater contributions to the development of China-Australia relations.

Ms. Henty, deputy director of the Foreign Investment Department of the Australian Treasury Department, said that foreign investment, including Chinese investment, is an indispensable part of Australia’s economic development. China ranks among the top 6 countries in terms of direct investment in Australia. Foreign Investment Department is to improve the transparency of the foreign investment review framework, build investors’ trust in Australia’s investment environment, and encourage foreign investors to actively give feedback on suggestions for improving foreign investment review. Mr. Gu Zhaolun, Deputy Director of the East Asia Department of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, reviewed the history of the development of economic and trade cooperation between China and Australia, and pointed out that trade and investment have always been the foundation of the relationship between the two countries, and continue to welcome foreign investment including from China. Investment from China has played an important role in Australia’s economic development. He expressed his gratitude to CCCA for its work.

At the meeting, Addsum Accountants made an audit report on the financial status of CCCA in the 2021/2022 fiscal year. The meeting also voted to approve the members of the new board of directors of CCCA, and notified the general election of the National Committee, including the change of the president and vice-president of CCCA, the changes of some committee member units and the chairman of industry committee, etc. Representatives of the Chamber’s sponsors PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia, Ernst & Young Australia and NIB (Iman Australia Health Plans LTD) spoke at the conference.

In the work report session, President Ren Li made a key report on the next step of CCCA’s work, proposing to “enhance the influence of the chamber through intercommunication, enhance the creativity of the chamber through complementarity, and enhance the cohesion of the chamber through mutual assistance.” Minister Counselor Gao Feng said in his speech that for half a century, Chinese-funded enterprises in Australia have insisted on relying on the motherland, rooted in Australia, and made contributions to the economic development of China and Australia. The leaders of the two countries successfully met during the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, and pointed out the direction of future development. The industries of the two countries should work together to further consolidate the foundation of practical cooperation between the two countries, jointly create a stable and smooth industrial chain and supply chain, and continuously promote bilateral cooperation. Representatives of CCCA Branches in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Sydney also made 2022 work speeches, and spoke freely about the ideas of chambers work next year. The heads of the economic and commercial organizations of the embassies and consulates in Australia introduced the bilateral economic and trade cooperation respectively, and put forward opinions and suggestions on the work of the chambers of commerce in each jurisdiction.

A dinner was served after the meeting. At the dinner, all the members and guests cheered together to congratulate the success of the conference and the Chamber’s new journey. Member representatives from all states in Australia reunited offline, exchanged and interacted with great enthusiasm, and pushed the atmosphere to a climax.

The conference successfully completed the scheduled agenda and pointed out the direction for the work of CCCA in 2023. All the directors and members will further unite and cooperate, forge ahead, and make greater contributions to the healthy development of China-Australia economy and trade.