The Consulate of China in Brisbane was officially opened in the capital city of Queensland on Tuesday. It's to meet the demands of the rapidly developing relations between China and Queensland. 

Liu Fei, consul and head of Mission of the Consulate of China in Brisbane, says the opening of the consulate is a significant step in the development of bilateral relations between China and Australia.

She says trade between Queensland and China exceeded 2-billion US dollars in the 2003-2004 financial year. China is now Queensland's second largest trading partner.

"The relationship between China and Queensland has witnessed rapid development over the past few years. Queensland has more than 30 sister cities in China. They have played an important role in strengthening cooperation in a wide range of areas including economy, education and tourism. Our consulate in Brisbane will further promote cooperation in these areas."

Apart from trade and economy, Liu Fei cites the areas of education and tourism will promote further cooperation. She says the number of Chinese students in Queensland is estimated at 10-thousand, making up 21 percent of total Chinese students in Australia. And Queensland plans to draw more Chinese students to its colleges and universities.

Liu adds that in 2004, about 120-thousand Chinese tourists visited Queensland, accounting for 60 percent of all Chinese tourists visiting Australia. The number is expected to increase by 30 percent this year.

"Chinese tourists are very much attracted to renowned scenic spots in Queensland like Gold Coast and Cairns. I believe we have great cooperation potential in these areas."

Liu Fei says the consulate in Brisbane will start to provide visa services later this year.   

(CRIENGLISH.com July 13, 2005)