SYDNEY, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Western Australia state's Premier Mark McGowan will travel to Beijing next week in his first official visit to the Chinese capital, to meet government and business representatives to tap growing trade ties and opportunities in various sectors, local media reported on Sunday.
"China is Australia's biggest trading partner and I want to ensure that WA is in the box seat to maximise opportunities that will create more jobs in the resources sector, as well as industries like tourism and education," McGowan was quoted as saying in a statement.
McGowan's upcoming trip, scheduled from Wednesday to Saturday, follows one he made in November when he led a delegation to China and Japan to promote his state and secure jobs, the WAtoday online newspaper reported.
"The benefits from the visit last year are already starting to flow", said McGowan, with a "new strategy" to promote state capital Perth as a study destination and "positive discussions about direct flights from Shanghai."
Western Australia, a major exporter of natural resources and commodities including iron ore and liquefied natural gas, has been looking to further diversify its economy following a mining construction boom.
