"Reaching South to the Territory", a trade and investment forum to strengthen business relationship between China and Northern Territory (NT), Australia was held in Shenzhen on October 24th.

[Photo provided to Newsgd.com]

Michael Gunner, Chief Minister of NT, led a 110-strong delegation to participate in the forum, which attracted a large number of enterprise and association representatives from Shenzhen and other regions of the South China for partnering opportunities.

Since the Shenzhen-Darwin direct flights opened in May 2018, the two places confront new chances for trade, investment and tourism. The flights effectively shorten the distance between Shenzhen and NT into 5.5 hours, and increased the number of Chinese visitors by 48 percent compared to last year.

Michael Gunner said, "The development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area creates huge opportunities for export out of the NT as well. As the Area keeps growing and keeps building new buildings, it requires materials that we could provide."

NT's exports to China include mineral exports, with ores and concentrates. Being Australia’s gateway to Asia, NT’s capital city, Darwin, and its Darwin Port are respectively the closest Australian capital city and the closet Australian port to China which is its second largest trade and investment partner.

The unique culture of NT is also promoted at the forum. [Photo provided to Newsgd.com]

The forum was hosted by the NT Government and Darwin Major Business Group, and supported by Austrade and CCPIT Shenzhen. It included five sub-sessions that allowed business presentation and partnering in the sectors of education, tourism, agribusiness, resources &mining and oil &gas.

In addition, the forum witnessed the signature of a Framework for Cooperation between Shenzhen Bureau of Education and the Northern Territory Department of Education, and a MoU between Gold Valley Energy Pty Ltd and ENN Ecological Holdings Co. Ltd. According to the Shenzhen Foreign Affairs Office, the Darwin International Airport and Shenzhen Airport are also discussing on the signature of a MoU, aiming to further boost the number of visitors.

Author: Jasmine Yin

Editor: Wing Zhang

Editor: Jasmine