- Cook Government opens second Invest and Trade Office in China
- New office located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province - one of WA's sister states
- Expanded presence complements existing Shanghai office and will help to drive trade opportunities that support WA jobs
The Cook Government is continuing to drive new trade and investment opportunities for Western Australia, today announcing it has established a second trade office in China.
Located in Hangzhou, the new office will help to deepen WA's longstanding relationship with Zhejiang Province and promote further economic opportunities between the sister-states.
WA is the only Australian state to have a presence in Zhejiang Province, which is one of China's most economically advanced provinces. Zhejiang Province has a population of around 65 million and is home to several major technology companies, including Alibaba Group.
In May 2022, WA renewed its sister-state agreement with Zhejiang Province, with a focus on expanding trade opportunities in primary industries, technology, new energy and health and medical life sciences.
WA's universities also share strong collaborative relationships with their Zhejiang counterparts in research and development.
The Hangzhou office will be overseen by WA's Investment and Trade Commissioner for Greater China, and supported by three locally engaged staff, including a dedicated Education Business Development Manager.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"China is our largest trading partner, and the opening of the new Hangzhou office reflects our ongoing commitment to developing new trade and investment opportunities to support local jobs.
"We've enjoyed a sister-state relationship with Zhejiang Province for more than 30 years, and with rapidly growing opportunities in clean energy, technology and primary industries, now is the time to step up our engagement.
"A strong trading relationship with China will help to ensure our economy remains strong long into the future, helping to support local jobs right across WA."
