Australian Consulate-General Guangzhou
Media Release: PD05/10 Date: 29 October 2010
Emerson to visit Seoul, Beijing, Hong Kong and Singapore
The Minister for Trade, Dr Craig Emerson, will visit Seoul, Beijing, Hong Kong and Singapore from 31 October to 4 November to promote Australia’s economic and trade interests.
Dr Emerson will meet political and business leaders during his first visit to the region as Minister for Trade, which will provide an important opportunity to discuss Australia’s bilateral and multilateral trade agenda.
The visit comes ahead of two major regional meetings – the G20 Summit and the APEC leaders’ meeting.
"In the weeks leading up to the G20 Summit and the APEC leaders’ meeting, my visit to Seoul and Beijing will be an important opportunity to discuss the global and regional trade agenda, including our efforts to bring new energy to the WTO Doha Round,” Dr Emerson said.
In Seoul, Dr Emerson will meet the South Korean Minister for Trade, Kim Jong-hoon.
"I very much look forward to meeting my South Korean counterpart, Kim Jong-hoon, and discussing priorities and opportunities in the Australia-Korea economic and trade relationship, including the Australia-Korea FTA negotiation," he said.
In Beijing, Dr Emerson will meet the Chinese Minister of Commerce, Chen Deming, and the National Development and Reform Commission Chairman, Zhang Ping, as well as senior representatives of the Australian business community.
“This is my first visit to Beijing as Trade Minister and I look forward to establishing strong working relationships with my Chinese counterparts in building on our already flourishing economic relationship,” Dr Emerson said.
Dr Emerson will also visit Hong Kong, which is Australia’s fifth largest source of foreign investment, fifth largest destination for Australian direct investment overseas and a valued partner in the WTO and APEC.
“My visit will demonstrate to Hong Kong and to the Australian business community there that we take this important relationship seriously,” he said.
Singapore is Australia’s sixth largest trading partner and one of the strongest growing economies in the world.
“I will use my Singapore visit to explore further opportunities to grow our trade relationship and also discuss our common interests in multilateral and regional trade liberalisation,” Dr Emerson said.
Media contact:
Minister Emerson's Office: Sandra O’Malley 02 6277 7420
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 02 6261 1555