Gunnedah delegates returned late last week having signed the agreement with Yinzhou District of Ningbo City, China. The new deal offers big potential for future opportunities and ongoing ties between Gunnedah and China.

The visiting delegates also delivered presentations to more than 170 business representatives across four Chinese provinces.

Gunnedah’s delegation of local industry and council representatives met with big players in the agribusiness sector.

They secured significant connections to follow up, with a view to growing the Gunnedah economy and capturing more of the value chain.

Gunnedah mayor Jamie Chaffey was among the visiting delegates and said the trip was a great success.

“We are very pleased with the outcomes we have achieved,” Cr Chaffey said. 

“Not only are there extensive economic and businesses opportunities that have arisen from the trip and the relationships we have established, but there are also many potential social and cultural benefits.

“It was a very busy trip and we managed to really make some inroads, identify opportunities and make connections with many businesses and governments that we would like to continue forging relationships with.

“The potential for our community and especially our agribusiness community, is huge.”

The trip was a joint trade mission between Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and council, with representatives from nine local agricultural businesses also attending.

The tour aimed to promote Gunnedah being open for business and showcased the high quality agricultural produce of the area and extensive investment opportunities.

The port city of Yinzhou district, a two-and-a-half hour drive from Shanghai, lists its leading industries to include finance, shipping, international convention and exhibition among others.