Opening of Chinese consulate in Perth welcomed

18/4/94

China's decision to open its third Australian consulate in Perth was a further indication of closer ties between China and Western Australia, Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan said today.

"Only last month the Western Australian Government announced a substantial upgrading of its representation covering China," Mr Cowan said.

The Minister welcomed the Beijing announcement that China would complement its Melbourne and Sydney consulates with a Perth office.

"We indicated to the Chinese Government some time ago when we were first advised of the possibility, that we would work hard to ensure that the consultate's establishment here was a success," Mr Cowan said.

"China's role as a trading partner for Western Australia is steadily growing more important, and there are signs that it will be our most important trading partner within a few years.

"Having a consulate in Western Australia will help local organisations access information much more readily, and will speed up processes like visa applications.

"The State Government's office in Hong Kong will be expanded next month when a senior trade officer from the Department of Commerce and Trade takes responsibility for liaising between China, Hong Kong and Taiwan on one side and WA on the other.

"WA's Sister Province, Zhejiang, set up an office in Perth last year to facilitate trade, and another province, Jilin, has indicated that it will do the same."

Media contact:  Peter Jackson  222 9595