A $15,000 investment prospectus designed to showcase Gunnedah as a key agribusiness player to our international neighbours has landed its first bite, as council and local industry prepare to send a trade delegation to China.
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Proposed in July last year, Gunnedah Shire Council resolved to fund the prospectus in collaboration with the local chamber of commerce.
The publication was translated into Mandarin, Japanese and Korean, and has since gained interest from the mayors of two regions in China. An invitation was extended by the mayor of the QuFu region to receive a delegation from Gunnedah.
It is proposed that Gunnedah’s 2017 trade delegation feature local industry representatives, mostly from the agribusiness sector and three council representatives – mayor Jamie Chaffey, general manager Eric Groth and director planning and environmental services, Andrew Johns.
Industry representatives joining the trade mission will be required to cover their own costs.
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The International Engagement Division of the Department of Primary Industries is also supporting the trade mission and has offered to conduct preparatory training seminars during January for all members of the delegation, free of charge.
Pending the success of the trade mission, councillors agreed in principal to host a return delegation of interested parties from China in May 2017.
Cr Chaffey said the Gunnedah shire has “huge” investment potential.
“The strengthening of trade links between Gunnedah and China will unlock many opportunities for local business and ultimately lead to more jobs and an even brighter future for our local residents,” Cr Chaffey said.
“Council’s Economic Development Strategy seeks to ensure that Gunnedah develops a diversified economy and encourages a range of compatible businesses and industry.
“This trade mission is an important step towards achieving that aim and has the overwhelming support of the council.”
Gunnedah is no stranger to the Chinese market and local businesses like Lively Linseed and orchard owner Rob Hoddle are already tapping into the big potential on offer, while winning top awards along the way.