Invitation Australia

Welcome to Invitation Australia!

Invitation Australia is a joint initiative of the Australian Chambers of Commerce in Beijing and Shanghai.  It aims to promote greater understanding and co-operation between the food and agribusiness sectors of China and Australia.  This will create a base for future business links between these two very dynamic, and in many ways, related sectors.

Invitation Australia is a program where a limited number of key “up and coming” future Chinese food and agribusiness operators will be given the opportunity to travel to Australia and to see firsthand the diversity and capability of the Australianfood and agribusiness sector.

The proposed two week study tour to Australia will include many Australian food and agribusiness industries – and include several regions.  The study tour will include visits across the full spectrum of the supply chain – from production to final consumer. 

Equally the study tour program will include related agencies e.g. Government, research and development, and industry associations.  Each study tour under the Invitation Australia initiative will be tailored to meet the needs of participants and sponsoring companies.

Visits to Australian agribusiness enterprises will provide participants with a very real understanding of Australia’s capacity to provide commodities, as well as value-added products and services.

A component of the study tours will be a range of networking opportunities.  Chinese participants in the Invitation Australia initiative will have the opportunity to develop collaborative relationships with partners in Australia. There may also be an opportunity for Australianhost companies/sponsors to offer an extended stay in Australia – targeting highly relevant delegation members.

Candidates for Invitation Australia will be sought across both the academic and commercial arenas of the Chinese sector.  Typical candidates might include “high calibre and high potential” employees of Chinese food and agribusiness companies as well as relevant higher degree university students.  A high level Selection Panel will oversee the actual selection process.

This exciting initiative builds on the strong relationship that has developed between the Chinese and Australian food and agribusiness sector.  This relationship includes commercial trade (both ways), collaborative research, education and skill transfer and two-way investment.  There is also a very robust relationship between the key Government agencies of both countries.

Over recent years the Australia-China food and agribusiness relationship has strengthened to include many sectors and activities it also recognizes that both countries face similar challenges and there is much to be gained by greater mutual understanding and co-operation.

Participation in the Invitation Australia initiative will provide direct exposure to practices, methods and research in food and agribusiness that will have direct relevance to China.

About AustCham – Beijing and Shanghai

AustCham in China seeks to advance Australian business in China. It represents a broad cross-section of Australian companies and interests – spanning all key sectors.  It plays a critical role in facilitating linkages and fostering Australia-China relationships.

It provides support to, and promotes the interests of, its members – mainly Australian businesses in and with interests in China, and the broader Australian community - in China.  It has over 180 corporate member companies and provides a range of events, services and networking opportunities to its members.  It provides members with the PEOPLE, ACCESS and CONTENT required for success in China.    

AustCham’s overriding goal is to advance Australian business in China. It represents a broad cross-section of Australian companies and interests – spanning all key sectors.  It plays a critical role in facilitating linkages and fostering Australia-China relationships.

It operates independently from government, funded entirely by membership and Chamber activities.  It is led by a voluntary Board - elected from, and by, and is responsible to its members.

It operates across many industry sectors and industry based Working Groups provide more specialist support to respective members and participants.

As a key industry body AustCham does receive sponsorship and support from a range of leading companies and organisations.

About the Food & Agribusiness Working Group

Invitation Australia initiative is being co-ordinated via the Food and Agribusiness Working Group – jointly comprising members of both the Shanghai and Beijing AustCham.  Membership of the Working Group is diverse and covers most sectors of the food and agribusiness sector in China and in Australia.

Members of the Working Group enjoy strong linkages and associations with many Chinese based food and agribusiness operatives.  This meshes well with the well regarded reputation Working Group member companies have across the Australian/China food and agribusiness sector.  This collectively provides great opportunities for both Chinese and Australian companies operating in this sector.

The Working Group works to increase trade access for Australian food and agribusiness enterprises in China, as well as to raise awareness of Australia as a source of high-quality agricultural products, services and technologies.  The Working Group meets regularly to examine the opportunities and challenges presented by the food and agribusiness sector in China. Participation in working group meetings is restricted to AustCham members.

Key industry representatives are assisting the Food and Agribusiness Working Group on this initiative and will provide ongoing support e.g. in selecting delegation members and hosting visits in Australia etc.

Invitation Australia – Funding and Sponsorship

Invitation Australia seeks to be totally self financing and it will be offering a range of sponsorship opportunities.

These sponsorship opportunities can be developed to best suit the needs of the respective sponsoring   company or organisation.

Aside from regular sponsorship arrangements e.g. publicity and profile etc there is the opportunity for sponsors to be actively involved in key areas such as selection of members, travel programs and visits.  Importantly sponsoring companies may have the opportunity to develop special relationships with key delegation members.

The Invitation Australia initiative provides companies with a unique opportunity to raise their involvement and profile in the Australia-China agribusiness community. Sponsorship also provides companies with a valuable network to agribusiness professionals in both Australia and China. Additional benefits of sponsorship are suggested below. Pleased note that if you have any suggestions, we are happy to discuss ways in which we can meet your company’s sponsorship needs.

For further information on how to be part of this exciting program please contact Garth Wilson at the AustCham Beijing Secretariat, projects@austcham.org,
+86 10 6595 9252

A Message from the Australian Ambassador to China

I am pleased to endorse the Invitation Australia initiative established by the AustCham Beijing and AustCham Shanghai Food & Agribusiness Working Group. This initiative is designed to strengthen the exchange of agricultural skills and knowledge between Australia and China, and to facilitate increased cooperation between businesses in our two countries. Through the Invitation Australia initiative, it is intended that lasting relationships can be established that will deliver benefits to participants, their companies and the bilateral trade relationship between China and Australia.

I therefore extend my best wishes to participants in this programme and to their counterparts in Australia.

Geoff Raby

H.E. Dr. Geoff Raby

Australian Ambassador