Isha shahni

NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell will join Prime Minister Tony Abbott next week on Australia’s biggest ever trade mission to China.

Mr O’Farrell will join the Prime Minister, other State Premiers, Federal Trade Minister Andrew Robb and business leaders for ‘Australia Week in China’ from 8-11 April. The four day visit will include Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai and Beijing.

“China’s significance as Australia’s and NSW’s biggest trading partner cannot be overstated,” Mr O’Farrell said.

“I will travel to China to emphasise that NSW is open and ready for business and, as our only global city, is the best place in Australia to do business.

“Increased trade and investment with China, to support NSW jobs and boost our economy, has been a goal I committed to before the 2011 State election, and I am delighted that Prime Minister Abbott shares my enthusiasm for a stronger economic relationship with Asian countries.

“NSW is well-positioned to benefit from China’s growth in key sectors like finance, food, creative industries, education, infrastructure and resources.

“Two-way merchandise trade between NSW and China was worth more than $27 billion dollars last financial year and China’s banking system is on track to overtake the US system by 2020.

“I look forward to meeting with business and investor groups and Chinese Government leaders to discuss opportunities to strengthen our long-standing diplomatic and trade relationship with China.

“I’ll participate in the ‘Australia Week in China’ program organised by the Federal Government, which features more than 250 NSW-based companies.

“I want these companies to know that the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government strongly supports their engagement with China,” Mr O’Farrell said.