On March 20, 2026, coinciding with the traditional Chinese occasion of “Longtaitou” (Dragon Raising Its Head), which symbolizes renewal and progress, the Melbourne Branch of China Chamber of Commerce in Australia (CCCA) grandly held its Annual General Meeting at Ming Dining Chinese Restaurant. More than 140 guests and representatives from member companies attended the event.
Distinguished attendees included Consul General Fang Xinwen of the Chinese Consulate-General in Melbourne; Minister-Counsellor Chi Jiechao for Economic and Commercial Affairs; Victorian Government representative Paul Hamer; Australian Federal MP Gabriel Ng; Liberal Party representative Richard Welch; Victorian State MP for Glen Waverley John Mullahy; and City of Melbourne representative Kevin Louey, all of whom delivered speeches.
The meeting was conducted in a formal yet warm atmosphere. President Bian Lei delivered the opening remarks, extending a warm welcome to all guests and expressing gratitude to member organizations for their longstanding support and trust. He also congratulated Melbourne on once again being ranked the world’s most livable city by Time Out.
Consul General Fang Xinwen, in his speech, affirmed the Chamber’s important role in promoting China–Australia economic and trade cooperation, safeguarding the interests of Chinese enterprises, and supporting business development. He emphasized that enterprises should adhere to compliant operations, uphold safety standards, and fulfill social responsibilities to contribute to bilateral economic relations.
He noted that the achievements of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan period, as summarized in Premier Li Qiang’s Government Work Report during the Two Sessions, demonstrate the resilience and vitality of China’s economy. Currently, China–Australia relations continue to improve, with steady growth in bilateral trade. Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan period, both sides are expected to deepen political mutual trust and expand cooperation areas for the benefit of both peoples.
The year 2025 marked the 10th anniversary of the China–Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA), with 2026 entering its 11th year—representing a new starting point for both countries.
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Several representatives from the Australian federal and Victorian governments delivered remarks in succession.
Victorian Government representative and Member for Box Hill, Paul Hamer, noted that despite increasing global economic uncertainty, economic and trade relations between Victoria and China remain strong, with bilateral trade exceeding AUD 40 billion. Supported by Victoria’s latest China Strategy and five investment and trade offices across Greater China, cooperation focuses on priority sectors such as life sciences and renewable energy. He also recognized the Chamber’s vital role as a bridge between government and business and expressed confidence in future collaboration.
Federal MP Gabriel Ng highlighted the significant contributions of the Chinese-Australian community to Australia’s economic success, cultural diversity, and social life. His electorate of Menzies hosts one of the largest Chinese-Australian communities, particularly in areas such as Box Hill and Doncaster. From local businesses and entrepreneurs to professionals and community organizations, they contribute significantly to Victoria’s development. He emphasized the Chamber’s key role in connecting businesses, fostering dialogue, and promoting cultural and economic exchange, and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting these partnerships.
Liberal Party representative Richard Welch noted the strong trade relationship between Australia and China, with bilateral trade currently around AUD 40 billion, and expressed his ambition to see it grow to AUD 80 billion. He emphasized that the relationship should not be measured solely in monetary terms but should also value technology transfer and knowledge sharing, which are crucial for improving productivity in Victoria. Encouraging Chinese enterprises to establish and expand in Victoria would help drive innovation and strengthen industrial capabilities. He also noted China’s stabilizing role in global trade amid rising technological and geopolitical uncertainties.
Victorian MP for Glen Waverley, John Mullahy, stated that approximately one-third of residents in his electorate are of Chinese background, making it a vibrant and diverse community. Chinese-Australian residents and businesses maintain close ties with China in family, education, and business, continuously strengthening people-to-people exchange and cooperation. He shared his visit to China last year, noting the breadth and depth of cooperation between Victoria and Chinese provinces and cities, as well as the strong connections formed by Chinese families living, studying, and doing business in Victoria. These long-term ties, he said, reinforce the foundation of bilateral economic and cultural cooperation.
City of Melbourne Councillor Kevin Louey expressed gratitude to the Chamber for its strong support during the City of Melbourne’s 2025 business delegation visit to China, including facilitating connections with key enterprises such as Luzhou Laojiao and arranging a meeting with CITIC Group’s chairman in Beijing. With the Chamber’s support, the visit achieved fruitful results. He emphasized that the City of Melbourne is committed to strengthening confidence among Chinese enterprises to invest and grow locally, attracting more Chinese headquarters to Melbourne, and continuing to support Chinese investors, business migrants, and international talent.
The meeting also reviewed the Chamber’s 2025 annual work report and outlined the 2026 work plan, clarifying priorities such as serving member enterprises, promoting China–Australia trade cooperation, and supporting compliant business operations. The Chamber will continue to build high-quality platforms for exchange, support the steady development of Chinese enterprises in Australia, and provide guidance for more Chinese companies going global.
The 2025 financial report was reviewed, and votes were held on board member appointments and new memberships. New council members—including Pacific Blue Australia, SW Accountants & Advisory, and the Asia-Australia Network for Education and Enterprise—were introduced, further enhancing the Chamber’s service capacity and organizational effectiveness. Certificates were also awarded to new member organizations, strengthening the Chamber’s cohesion.
Attending members engaged in in-depth discussions on business opportunities, challenges, and industry trends in Australia. There was a shared expectation that the Chamber would continue leveraging its platform advantages in resource integration, information sharing, and policy coordination to support higher-quality business development.
he successful convening of this Annual General Meeting has further united Chinese-funded and Chinese-Australian enterprises in Australia, laying a solid foundation for advancing China–Australia economic and trade cooperation to a new level.
The Chamber also expressed special thanks to its strategic partner, the City of Melbourne, as well as sponsors including Hainan Airlines, Luzhou Laojiao 1573, and Tasmania’s Eden Whisky Distillery for their strong support in making the event a success.
