It is a great honour to be invited to meet President Xi and Madame Peng next week. This meeting will enhance Tasmania’s enduring friendship with China.
I have been invited to join the Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove at a State Banquet hosted at the Great Hall of the People on Monday evening, as the guest of President Xi and Madame Peng.
Last year’s visit by the President was a significant milestone for Tasmania and an unprecedented opportunity to showcase everything that makes our state unique, from our warm hospitality to our premium produce.
We have since seen the immediate benefits and a hint of what’s to come, with an increase in Chinese tourists and strong growth in exports, from cherries to salmon.
I am grateful for the President’s invitation, which demonstrates a mutual respect between our Governments. Tasmanians have every reason to be optimistic that this is yet another great opportunity for our state, and for our future prosperity.
I look forward to this opportunity to promote stronger economic and cultural ties between Tasmania and China.