International flights to China to be discussed during trade mission
Published on 10 August 2017
International flights to China are on the table for discussion with Rockhampton Regional Council approving a trade mission to China later this month.
Chair of the Airport Committee Councillor Neil Fisher will lead the mission and said it would build on the diplomatic and business ties generated during a previous visit to Shanghai and Zhenjiang last year.
“The week long mission will start on September 23rd and focus on key target sectors including infrastructure investment opportunities, international education and tourism, agricultural trade and investment opportunities, natural resources and mining sector opportunities and business and skilled migration for lifestyle and jobs.
“China is Australia’s fastest growing market and we need to capitalise on the opportunity now in order to drive economic growth and international visitor numbers.
“That’s why we’re going to discuss direct flights from Zhenjiang to Rockhampton for tourism development and sit down with food companies to talk potential investment and trade.
“The lucrative international education market is a prime focus and we want to look at teacher training and study tour programs while also promoting our wider region to travel agencies.
“This mission is about building those connections, seeking new opportunities and promoting Rockhampton to China as a must-visit destination.
“Council has already built a strong relationship with the Zhenjiang Municipal Government as a Friendship City and we are looking to build on that to encourage new investment and knowledge-sharing opportunities in our region,” Cr Fisher said.
General Manager of Regional Development and Aviation Scott Waters said the push is on to increase tourism activities between the two countries as it is the Year of Tourism for China.
“China are actively looking to increase inbound tourism to Australia from 1.3 million visitors each year to 3 million and now is the perfect time to be continuing our discussions with China,” Mr Waters said.