A grand dinner Wednesday evening at the Wuzhou Guesthouse announced the formal opening of the Shenzhen Office of Australian Trade Commission (Austrade).

He Xuewen, head of the Shenzhen Branch of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, and Yvonne Chan, deputy consul-general of Australian Consulate-General in Guangzhou, both expressed their hope that the new establishment would help enhance an trade and exchange between Shenzhen and Australia.

More than 150 people from Shenzhen-based Australian businesses, the Shenzhen Municipal Government and local companies and industry associations attended the celebration dinner.

Austrade is an Australian government agency that helps Australian companies win overseas business for their products and services by reducing the time, cost and risk involved in selecting, entering and developing international markets.

Its mission is to contribute to community wealth by helping more Australians succeed in export and international business.

Austrade is represented in over 100 locations in more than 50 countries including an extensive domestic network throughout Australia. Austrade offers practical advice, market intelligence and ongoing support (including financial) to Australian businesses seeking to develop international markets. Austrade also provides advice and guidance on overseas investment and joint venture opportunities, and helps put Australian businesses in contact with potential overseas investors.

Austrade is a statutory authority within the Foreign Affairs and Trade portfolio. Austrade is governed by a board, whose members are drawn from business and government. It reports to the Minister for Trade.

(Shenzhen Daily December 2, 2005)