Since 1987, Western Australia and China’s Zhejiang Province have enjoyed a sister-state relationship that has supported continuing diplomatic, economic and community exchanges between both regions.

On 10 November 2023, the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, through Invest and Trade Western Australia, with the Department of Premier and Cabinet, hosted the 9^th Western Australia-Zhejiang Exchange Meeting in Perth.

The event brought together senior representatives from both regions to review current projects and propose areas to expand the scope of the sister-state agreement.

WA Premier, the Hon. Roger Cook MLA, and Vice Governor XU Wenguang opened the WA-Zhejiang Exchange Committee.

Key speakers included:

• Ms Rebecca Brown, Director General, Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation
• Mr Shu Peidong, Deputy Director General of Zhejiang Provincial Department of Education
• Mr Wang Hongwei, Deputy Director General, Zhejiang Foreign Affairs Office; and
• Ms Karen Ho, Director General, Department of Training and Workforce Development.
  

During the meeting, the Premier witnessed the signing of 6 agreements that create opportunities for continued collaboration in the new energy, and vocational education and training sectors.

The WA-Zhejiang Education Forum, attended by WA and Zhejiang universities and colleges, preceded the evening’s event. The Forum facilitated discussions about new initiatives for training programs and the reactivation of previous arrangements that were stalled due to border disruptions.

Western Australia’s strategic partnerships, including the State’s sister-state relationships, make an important contribution to strengthening WA’s engagement with Asia in line with the Government’s Asian Engagement Strategy to 2030 - Our future with Asia.

If you are looking for opportunities in business, investment, or trade, contact our experienced team at Invest and Trade WA. Our in-house experts can support you directly and provide referrals or introductions across our network of overseas offices, industry bodies and government agencies.

Published on: 15 November 2023