- Premier and Ministers mark 30 years of Sister State relationship in Hangzhou
- New memorandum expands relationship into new areas
- Premier leading an education and tourism-focused delegation to China and Japan
- The international mission is designed to strengthen WA economy and create jobs
Western Australia and China's Zhejiang province will celebrate 30 years of their Sister State relationship today in Hangzhou, as the Premier's first international mission gets underway.
Premier Mark McGowan, along with Asian Engagement Minister Bill Johnston, will meet the Governor of Zhejiang Yuan Jiajun and sign a memorandum of understanding to expand the Sister State relationship further.
They will also take part in the opening of the 7th Biennial Western Australia-Zhejiang Exchange Committee meeting - the group which guides the ongoing activities of the Sister State relationship.
Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery will also join the Premier at events designed to highlight the many successful partnerships between WA's education sector and counterparts in Zhejiang.
Tourism Minister Paul Papalia will join the Premier in Shanghai, before they both head to Japan next week to meet with senior business and government figures to explore opportunities for greater collaboration in tourism.
The Premier and Ministers are leading a delegation of invited representatives from the tourism and education sectors, aimed at helping diversifying the State's economy and creating jobs.
Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:
"Ningbo in Zhejiang has been a major receival port for Western Australian iron ore since the late 1980s, and our Sister State relationship was formalised in November 1987.
"The relationship has grown far beyond the resources sector in the 30 years since, and I look forward to signing a new agreement today to expand our collaboration further in areas such as science and technology, e-commerce and small business.
"This mission to China and Japan is my first overseas visit as Premier and I intend to maximise every opportunity to help grow and diversify our State's economy."
Comments attributed to Asian Engagement Minister Bill Johnston:
"While our Sister State relationship was built on economic links, successive governments in both WA and Zhejiang have worked diligently over the past 30 years to grow our cultural ties.
"The 30th anniversary celebrations are about bringing together hearts and minds of Western Australians and Zhejiang citizens who share the values and ideals of bilateral co-operation."
Comments attributed to Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"WA's universities and schools are at the forefront of our Sister State relationship with Zhejiang, with many successful exchanges and agreements in place.
"Tomorrow, we're celebrating these partnerships by bringing together alumni who have studied at WA and Zhejiang institutions over the past 30 years, and encouraging them to share their experiences with the broader community."
Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:
"Reaffirming and building on our tourism links with China and Japan are important tools to help grow our local tourism industry.
"As Tourism Minister, attracting more visitors to WA is my number one priority, to fill our hotel rooms and provide a boost to our hospitality sector as well."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
Asian Engagement Minister's office - 6552 6700
Education and Training Minister's office - 6552 5700
Tourism Minister's office - 6552 5600
