The events of last week were truly momentous, providing enormous opportunities for our state.
As part of our plan to capitalise on this momentum, I will lead a trade and investment mission to China in the first half of next year.
The delegation will actively pursue trade, investment and cultural opportunities as the next instalment of our TasInvest plan and further building our friendship with China.
We value our friendship with China, our largest trading partner and rapidly growing source of international visitors.
It is critical we make a strategic and concerted effort to further strengthen our relationship, to boost the economy and create jobs for Tasmanians.
There's no doubt the eyes of the world and especially China have been fixed firmly on us, and Tasmania has shone brightly.
It's estimated that over 80 million Chinese followed President Xi Jinping's visit on social media, and 600 million viewed a 10 minute television news item, which is colossal and invaluable exposure.
The Liberal Government took a strategic decision to capitalised on this
rare opportunity and held the TasInvest Forum which further showcased our
state and key sectors in our economy; agriculture, viticulture, aquaculture,
mining and Antarctic research.
We will now continue to work hard to turn this
interest flowing from the Chinese President's visit and TasInvest into outcomes
that will strengthen Tasmania's economy and create jobs for Tasmanians.
I thank all levels of Government and agencies
that worked on these important events, and to the people of Tasmania for
extending such a warm welcome to President Xi and the TasInvest delegates.