SYDNEY, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The State of Western Australia wants Beijing to know it's open for business and focused on growing ties and investment, Premier Mark McGowan announced on Tuesday.
Set for his first visit to China as state premier on Wednesday, the four-day mission is aimed at strengthening Western Australia's "robust relationship" with key Chinese Central Government agencies and promoting the state's economic might in the minerals sector.
"China is Australia's biggest trading partner, and I want to ensure that Western Australia 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 said.
During his time in Beijing, the premier will feature at a roundtable discussion hosted by a number of senior representatives from major Chinese enterprises.
McGowan will also meet with some of Western Australia's biggest Chinese investors.
"Creating jobs for Western Australians is my number one priority and as Premier and I'm very keen to promote our State to the world," McGowan said.
The trip follows a series of meetings last year during November, where 40 Western Australian representatives from the tourism and education sectors met with officials and industry leaders in Shanghai and Hangzhou.
"The benefits from the visit last year are already starting to flow, with a new strategy launched to promote Perth as a study destination and positive discussions about direct flights from Shanghai," McGowan said.
