The benefits of the Asian Trade Mission would be reaped in months and years ahead, the Premier, Lara Giddings said on her return to Tasmania today.

Ms Giddings said upfront results of the trade mission included Guohua Energy signing a share sale agreement for a 75 per cent stake in the $395 million Musselroe Wind Farm.

It is also likely that as a result of meetings with Chinese quarantine officials during the visit, Tasmanian cherries will be approved for export to China in the very near future.

Ms Giddings said the full benefits of the 12 day mission could only be reasonably judged over time.

"We have had some very positive meetings which have the potential to deliver a huge boost to the Tasmanian economy but the work doesn't end simply because we are back in the state," Ms Giddings said.

"We will have many follow-up discussions with Asian companies and officials over the weeks and months ahead in order to bring new opportunities to fruition."

Ms Giddings said highlights from the mission included:

- Agreement for further research cooperation on the Antarctic and southern ocean by linking to UTAS and IMAS.  There is hope that Chinese research vessels will use Hobart as a supply port and discussions about utilising the Antarctic air link out of Hobart Airport are ongoing.

- Strong interest in Tasmania's significant mineral potential at a mining seminar attended by more than 100 Chinese mining executives and investors.

- Discussions with Chinese and Vietnamese university and trade training organisations to identify opportunities to share resources, expertise and exchange students.

- Renewed enthusiasm for Tasmanian tourism with agents requesting promotional video to display to customers.  Hong Kong travel agents will visit Tasmania this year to seek out new attractions to promote.  

- Commitment to progressing a sister city relationship between Pudong and Hobart, based on strengths such as Antarctic and maritime sector.

- Investment opportunities in Tasmanian agriculture, mining and other major industries have also been pitched directly to the China Investment Corporation, one of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds.

"One thing is for certain; we would have no chance of realising any of these opportunities by sitting on our hands as the Liberal Party appears to be advocating.

"Arguing that trade missions must deliver immediate returns displays a fundamental lack of understanding of the importance of building long-term relationships with international partners.

"Those would questioning the benefits of the Trade Mission should talk to delegates like Tim Reid, who is now much closer to being able to export his cherries to China, or King Island Scheelite which had the opportunity to pitch its project directly to Chinese investors."

The delegation was made up of 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 and Tas'Mania.