- 300-strong delegation in Perth to mark historic anniversary
- MOU to renew and strengthen relationship
Premier and State Development Minister Colin Barnett today welcomed a delegation from Zhejiang to mark the 25th anniversary of the province's Sister-State relationship with Western Australia.
Mr Barnett and the Governor of Zhejiang, Dr Xia Baolong, will tonight sign a Memorandum of Understanding to renew and strengthen the Sister-State agreement.
Governor Xia is making his first visit to WA, accompanied by a 300-member trade and investment delegation, to investigate opportunities for co-operation in areas such as resources, agriculture, infrastructure, health and tourism.
"Both Zhejiang and WA are leading economies in our respective countries, this has provided a strong foundation for the Sister-State relationship," the Premier said.
"The agreement, signed in 1987, has underpinned several productive economic partnerships between WA and Chinese businesses.
"For example: a Zhejiang bearing manufacturer is the major shareholder in WA's second largest winery, Ferngrove; The University of WA jointly operates three laboratories with Zhejiang University; and 120 Zhejiang police officers have trained at the WA Police Academy."
Mr Barnett said the next phase of the Sister-State agreement would focus on extending existing business and investment partnerships, particularly those linking WA's natural resources with Zhejiang's manufacturing strength.
"The potential for this relationship to grow is enormous - while WA's land mass is 25 times that of Zhejiang's, Zhejiang's population is approximately 25 times ours," he said.
"Building stronger, more diverse commercial links and a better mutual appreciation of our different cultures is also important to the relationship, so tourism is a strong focus in the agreement, as well."
Fact File
- WA has operated Trade & Investment Office in Zhejiang's capital, Hangzhou, since 1996
- Zhejiang's population is 55million and its land area covers 101.8 sq.km
- Gross State Product: Zhejiang: $478billion (2011); WA: $217billion (2010-11)
- Since 2005, both sides have organised the Zhejiang High School English Language Competition program. 25 Zhejiang student winners visit WA each year through that project
- Private companies account for more than 70 per cent of Zhejiang's GSP
Premier's office - 6552 5000
