Tasmania will tap into the biggest jobs engine in the world during a trade mission to China, Vietnam and Hong Kong next month.

The Premier, Lara Giddings, today released the itinerary for the 12 day trip which will include community leaders, educators, tourism operators, mining companies and small business owners.

"The itinerary has been carefully planned to highlight Tasmania's strengths across a range of industries," Ms Giddings said.

 "We will be working to reinforce existing business relationships, market local produce, promote our tourism industry and forge new ties to create economic activity and jobs for Tasmanians."

Ms Giddings said the Asian middle-class was forecast to grow from 500 million to more than 3 billion over the next 20 years.

"These are the future consumers for Tasmanian wines, dairy, tourism, education and other high quality services and products which is why we have described Asia as the jobs engine of the 21st century."

Ms Giddings said a comprehensive expression of interest process had identified businesses with existing links and opportunities in Asia. 

"Guohua Energy has already invested in Tasmania's renewable energy sector through the Woolnorth wind farm and we are keen to discuss further investment opportunities," Ms Giddings said.

"Along with Tourism Tasmania we will be showcasing our Tourism potential for visitors and investors by hosting events in Hong Kong.

"Irrigation Tasmania will be joining me to provide Chinese investors with a prospectus of irrigation and agricultural investment opportunities across the State.

"While in Shanghai we will meet with the Wahaha Group, China's largest food and beverage company, which has a particular interest in our dairy sector.

"The itinerary also includes meetings with Antarctic authorities in China with a view to identifying future opportunities for collaboration in Antarctic research and logistics.

"We will also meet mining and forestry companies, to identify potential investment opportunities in Tasmania."

"As I outlined yesterday, a particular focus of the trip will be growing Tasmania's share of the International student market, with a goal to double the intake of tertiary students by 2018.

"I am optimistic that we will return with some immediate tangible outcomes for Tasmania and local businesses.

"Of course, we are also the first state in Australia to commission our own Asian white paper, which will identify future opportunities."

Ms Giddings said she would attend the trade mission with an adviser at an estimated cost of $14,100 per person.

In total the trip will involve a delegation of 25 representatives from 15 organisations.

 

ITINERARY

China, Beijing: 10th-16th September

• Briefing from the Australian Embassy

• Function at the Australian Embassy to promote Tasmania in China

• Meeting with Chinese Quarantine authorities to discuss Tasmanian cherry and agricultural exports

• Meeting with Ministries responsible for Antarctic Affairs

• Business briefing from Australian Senior China Consultant

• Meeting with Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration

• Meeting with Guohua Energy Corp

• Host seminar to promote investment in Tasmanian Mining

• Meeting with China Minmetals Corp

• Meeting with Chinese sovereign wealth fund

• Briefing with Chinese Academy of Science

• Briefing on forest and forest product industry and investment trends

• Meet with EIC Group (leading Chinese international education agent)

 

Vietnam, Hanoi: 16th - 17th September

• Briefing from Australian Embassy

• Function with Australian Embassy to promote Tasmania in Vietnam

• Meeting with Ministry of Education and Training

• Meetings with Vietnamese universities• Meeting with IDP Education

• Meeting with AusAid

 

China, Shanghai: 18th - 20th September

• Briefing from Australian Consul-General• Event to promote Tasmanian organic produce

• Mayor/Vice-Mayor of Shanghai

• Mayor/Vice-Mayor of Pudong• Meeting with Wahaha Food and Beverage Group

• Arts and Cultural exchange activities• Meeting with Polar Research Institute of China

• Shanghai Chamber of Commerce• Tasmanian tourism industry luncheon

• Visit Bangde Polytechnic College• Meeting with Jiangsu Shagang Group

• Meeting with Chinese Banking officials

• Deliver major address to the Australia China Chamber of Commerce

• Visit Shanghai Ocean University• Event with UTAS Chinese Alumni

 

Hong Kong: 21st September

• Meeting with Goodtop Tin International

• Tourism Tasmania industry lunch and media

• Launch new Tasmanian food export business

 

Asian Trade Delegation

• Hydro Tasmania

• King Island Sheelite

• Top-Qual• Grange Resources

• Australian Cherry Growers• Mineral Resources Tasmania

• Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts

• University of Tasmania

• Bellamy's Organic

• Proto Resources

• Tasmanian Irrigation

• Reid Fruits

• GETI (Government Education and Training International)

• Hobart City Council

• Tas'Mania

 

Cost Premier plus adviser

Per person:

Airfare: AUD 10,305  (excl GST)

Accommodation:  AUD 3,850