MEDIA RELEASE
AUSTRALIAN CONSULATE-GENERAL CHENGDU
24 January 2014
Australian Consulate-General in Chengdu Hosts Australia Day Reception
The Australian Consulate-General in Chengdu celebrated its first Australia Day in Chengdu by hosting a joint reception with Austcham West China on 24 January 2014.
Australia’s Consul-General in Chengdu Ms Nancy Gordon addressed the reception. She thanked provincial and municipal leaders and officials, the Australian and Chinese business communities and the consular corps for helping make the Consulate-General’s first few months a success.
“Australia has had important ties with China which extends far back before Australia officially became a nation in 1901. One may be surprised to learn that by 1861 more than 3% of Australia’s population had been born in China.”
“Today, I’m pleased Australia’s relationship with China is stronger than ever, and it continues to strengthen between our businesses, our universities and our people. Certainly, the opening of Australia diplomatic mission here in Chengdu in July is a symbol of this flourishing relationship. Another indicator is the fact that Sichuan Airlines has commenced direct flights between Chengdu and Melbourne as well as between Chongqing and Sydney.”
Mr Zhong Mian, Executive Vice Governor of the Sichuan Provincial People’s Government, attended the reception and gave remarks. He congratulated the Consulate on its successful first six months, and said Australia was an important trading partner for Sichuan and a main destination for outwards investment, education and tourism. Mr Zhong urged stronger and closer cooperation between Australia and Sichuan.
Over 200 guests including Vice Secretary-General Mr Xue Kang, Executive Vice Mayor of Chengdu Mr Zhu Zhihong, government officials, business representatives and the consular corps from Sichuan and Chongqing attended the function.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Xie Yi, Research, Visits and Public Affairs Officer
028 6268 5220 / 1500 281 9284 / [email protected]