The first half of the Premier Will Hodgman’s trade and investment mission has been reported busy and productive, with talks of new opportunities to expand relations with China, Tasmania’s largest trading partner.

Over four days of meetings in Fuzhou and Xi’an Mr Hodgman said the trade mission team has built upon already strong economic, cultural and diplomatic links, creating further opportunities for Tasmanian trade, investment and jobs.

“The inaugural meeting of the Joint Committee for Cooperation and Development between Tasmania and Fujian has identified key prospects for trade, including an exciting commitment from Fujian to explore better air links between us,” Mr Hodgman said.

Premier Will Hodgman speaking at the Export Growth China launch before his trade mission to China.

Premier Will Hodgman speaking at the Export Growth China launch before his trade mission to China.

“We visited a Yongshui Superstore, one of the largest supermarket chains in China, which sells quality Tasmanian produce to Chinese consumers.

“There is enormous potential for our exporters, a number of who are represented on the mission, with an estimated 200 million Chinese consumers now seeking the type of high quality products Tasmania provides.

“Meetings with senior Fujian and Shanxi Province officials were very productive in strengthening our economic and cultural relationships, including the signing of a new sister-city agreement between Hobart and Xi’an.

“These partnerships include commitments to increase trade and exchange in areas of mutual interest, such as energy, forestry, agriculture, fisheries, education and tourism.

Earlier this week in Beijing Mr Hodgman met again with His Excellency President Xi and Madam Peng, providing another opportunity to further strengthen Tasmania’s relationship with China.

Programmed events include business roundtables, a TasInvest and tourism networking forum and direct meetings with potential investors.