On May 18th, Yuncai Mei, the acting Chinese Consul-General in Adelaide, addressed at the business dinner hosted by David Ridgway, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment of South Australia on the theme of "Strengthening friendly relations, Seeking new opportunities for development".
Mr. Mei gave a speech at the dinner. He first congratulated Mr. Ridgway for his assumption as the minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, and his recent visit to Shandong, Guangzhou and Shanghai only 33 days after taking office.
Mr. Mei stated that China and South Australia enjoy great potential and broad prospects for cooperation and are presented with new opportunities to develop our friendly relations. Chinese Consulate-General hopes that the pragmatic cooperation between the two sides would be raised to a new level through our joint efforts with the new SA government. The first China International Import Expo will be held in Shanghai this November. We also expect to take the Expo as a new platform to boost the sound development of China-SA cooperation and achieve mutual benefits as well as our common prosperity.
Mr. Ridgway said that he and the SA government are focused on growing relationship between China and South Australia. The signing of the China-Australia FTA has brought important opportunities for development to both sides. South Australia intends to establish a trade office in Shanghai, while Shandong is to open a Mutual Economic Benefit Office in Adelaide. China-SA cooperation is progressing soundly. He hopes to work together with the Chinese Consulate-General to make our friendly relationship ever stronger.
Chinese Consul Wei Zhang, Vice-Consul Chen Xin and representatives of Chinese businesses and overseas Chinese attended the meeting.