Treasurer taking business leaders to China

Wayne Swan is to lead a business delegation to Hong Kong and Beijing.

The Treasurer made the announcement at an Economic Forum in Brisbane.

He also challenged the business leaders, who will accompany him on that trip, to heed discussion at the two day Forum.

They should also ask themselves some basic questions, such as:-

*..Are we well positioned to achieve greater productivity growth in areas which are likely to drive our economy in the Asian Century?

*  Of all the potential reforms and business models available to us, which of them will unlock the greatest productivity potential for our industries and our companies?

“So, in this room, a key question for all of us is:  what are we doing to get ourselves Asia-ready?” Mr Swan asked.

* What would it take to set up – and stay up – in Asia?

Mr Swan also urged those present to ask themselves:-

*  What are we doing to build relationships across Asia?

* What partnerships across business and society are we forging to help us do this?

The Treasurer said the delegation would be “part of the Government’s agenda to deepen our economic and commercial ties in the region.”

He said it would provide Australian business leaders with an opportunity to develop important business links with major Chinese companies and authorities.

That would be at a key event in Beijing – the Australia China Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum – to be hosted by the Australia China Business Council.