Mildura Sets the Standard with its China Program

30 May, 2008

The Sunraysia Mallee Economic Development Board (SMEDB) is leading a delegation of three regions to exhibit at the China Kunming Import & Export Commodities Fair in June.

Following the success of previous delegations where SMEDB has established key relationships with Chinese government and businesses and opened opportunities for trade, Horsham and Campaspe regions will also be participating in 2008.

By grouping together to showcase regional Victoria and the strengths of each region, SMEDB and Campaspe Shire Council along with Horsham Rural City Council and the Wimmera Development Association can assist each other and achieve a greater presence than is possible individually.

SMEDB’s expertise and the relationships that have been created with Austrade representatives, Victorian Government business representatives and Chinese importers, form a critical aspect to the ability to meet the objectives for the delegation.

SMEDB has developed seven clear objectives for the 2008 delegation to Yunnan Province in China which are to:

1. Promote Mildura’s businesses, product and services through attending and exhibiting at the Kunming trade fair, meetings and the ‘Food from Victoria’ expo in Shanghai, meetings and regional wine tasting in Mildura’s Sister City Dali, in Lijiang (Shepparton’s Sister City) and Shangri-la (Campaspe’s Sister City).
2. Market and raise awareness about Mildura to Chinese businesses including meeting with buyers, importers and wholesalers by attending and exhibiting at the trade fair, meetings with importers, wholesalers, distributors, supermarkets, hotels and restaurants.
3. Actively identify Chinese business contacts and Chinese export markets for future trade by Mildura region businesses.
4. Market Mildura region investment opportunities to Chinese investors and businesses for an injection of capital into projects that will continue growing the region’s economy.
5. Report back to businesses, industry associations and organisations and (where necessary) assist with export and market development in China.
6. Work with Austrade and Victorian Government representatives in Yunnan and throughout China to assist in achieving exports from our regions.
7. Host visiting delegations from Yunnan.

Andrew Millen, CEO of SMEDB says “Throughout the delegation planning phase, we have tailored the program to ensure that the objectives will be met, and that outcomes can be measured.”

“We are also delighted to welcome Horsham Rural City Council and the Wimmera Development Association to our business delegation, an action that highlights SMEDB’s role as an innovator in pursuing opportunities to benefit businesses in our region,” Mr Millen added.

The Sunraysia Institute of TAFE is also participating in a study tour of Yunnan Province at the same time as the business delegation, further enhancing the linkages with Mildura.

SMEDB representatives participating in the delegation are John Irwin, Chairman; Andrew Millen, CEO; and Helena Howe, Project Officer who depart for pre-trade fair meetings in Shanghai on Saturday 31 May.