Published Monday, 26 March, 2007 at 03:08 PM
Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure
The Honourable Anna Bligh
VICE PREMIER OPENS BRISBANE’S CONSULATE-GENERAL
March 24, 2007
The upgrading of Brisbane’s Chinese Consulate to full Consulate -General status was evidence of the dynamic relationship between the trading partners, Acting Premier Anna Bligh said today.
People’s Republic of China Vice Premier, His Excellency Mr Zeng Peiyan, and Ms Bligh opened the Consulate-General at a ceremony in Brisbane today.
Ms Bligh said the upgrade after only 18 months in operation was in response to a large increase in visa applications and put Brisbane on a par with Sydney and Melbourne.
The opening ceremony followed last night’s historic signing of the $3 billion agreement for the Chinese Aluminium Company (Chalco) to develop the Aurukun bauxite reserve and build a refinery – the largest investment in Queensland’s history.
“It comes as our 2005-06 trade volume - $5.2 billion – rose 31% over the previous 12 months, a clear sign of the strength of our relationship,” Ms Bligh said.
“The Consulate-General is the front door for interaction between Queenslanders and the Chinese people. It will prove vital for business, tourism and education interests that are growing at an amazing pace.”
Ms Bligh said China was now the largest single source of overseas students in Queensland, providing about 15% of our total (9197 students as at December 2006).
Tourism numbers also are strong. Last calendar year, almost 125,000 Chinese visitors to Queensland generated $84 million in expenditure for the state. Extremely strong growth of 16% a year is forecast over the next decade.
Queensland is negotiating for direct flights from China, the world’s largest outbound tourism market.
“Queensland provides three of the top five Australian destinations for Chinese tourists _ Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Tropical North,” Ms Bligh said.
More information: Deputy Premier’s Office 3224 6900
The upgrading of Brisbane’s Chinese Consulate to full Consulate -General status was evidence of the dynamic relationship between the trading partners, Acting Premier Anna Bligh said today.
People’s Republic of China Vice Premier, His Excellency Mr Zeng Peiyan, and Ms Bligh opened the Consulate-General at a ceremony in Brisbane today.
Ms Bligh said the upgrade after only 18 months in operation was in response to a large increase in visa applications and put Brisbane on a par with Sydney and Melbourne.
The opening ceremony followed last night’s historic signing of the $3 billion agreement for the Chinese Aluminium Company (Chalco) to develop the Aurukun bauxite reserve and build a refinery – the largest investment in Queensland’s history.
“It comes as our 2005-06 trade volume - $5.2 billion – rose 31% over the previous 12 months, a clear sign of the strength of our relationship,” Ms Bligh said.
“The Consulate-General is the front door for interaction between Queenslanders and the Chinese people. It will prove vital for business, tourism and education interests that are growing at an amazing pace.”
Ms Bligh said China was now the largest single source of overseas students in Queensland, providing about 15% of our total (9197 students as at December 2006).
Tourism numbers also are strong. Last calendar year, almost 125,000 Chinese visitors to Queensland generated $84 million in expenditure for the state. Extremely strong growth of 16% a year is forecast over the next decade.
Queensland is negotiating for direct flights from China, the world’s largest outbound tourism market.
“Queensland provides three of the top five Australian destinations for Chinese tourists _ Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Tropical North,” Ms Bligh said.
More information: Deputy Premier’s Office 3224 6900