PORT ADELAIDE’s push into China has received high praise from Australia’s Trade Minister and the South Australian Premier for building economic bridges between the countries and helping Australian businesses to flourish.
Speaking at a trade forum
He admitted being a supporter of Port Adelaide’s opponent on Saturday, the Gold Coast
“What the AFL is doing in terms of their outreach to markets like China, in many respects spearheaded by what Port is doing and the relationship that you have with Shanghai CRED
“Being able to come together to make connections, to build bridges, to build and develop and invest in relationships is such a critical part of that.
“And frankly what better way to do that than over a beer at an AFL game.
“If we can introduce more Chinese to a bit of Aussie culture like that, I think so be it, it’s a tremendous outcome.”
The Minister said it was clear Port Adelaide was invested in the long-term in its efforts to open trade and investment doors in China.
He said he had seen evidence of the Power Footy program, which suggested the club’s efforts were about more than just a game in Shanghai each season.
The program is currently in 21 schools, encouraging healthy lifestyles and cross-cultural understanding.
“To see such a strong investment from Port together with the AFL in rolling out a program to schools to get young Chinese people involved, all of that means that this is a long-term, sustainable effort to make sure that AFL grows and in turn we know that will grow greater opportunities for people to people collaborations and linkages between Australia and China.
“This is the kind of relationship that we want to continue to foster… and the kind of relationship we will be able to achieve together.
“It’s good for the region that we have strong trade investment ties and it’s
The Minister’s sentiments were echoed by South Australian Premier Steven Marshall, on his first visit to China since taking on the position in March.
The Port Adelaide supporter congratulated the club for
“Events like these are invaluable in helping our businesses make vital connections with customers,” he said.
“Connections that will in time flourish and lead into successful ventures that deliver mutual benefits for both of our countries.
“Port Adelaide Football Club’s commitment to playing here every year and the activities like these today that they are creating alongside their match will make sure that these connections are sustained.”
Port Adelaide chief executive Keith Thomas said the club believed its future was in engaging with the business community in China and connecting South Australian businesses with their counterparts in that country.
“In the 12 months to March 2018, the value of South Australia’s total overseas goods exports grew by 9.1%. China is still easily the largest destination country of overseas exports and goods,” he said.
“In addition, Chinese international student numbers have grown, Chinese migrant approval numbers have grown and in the agribusiness world, over $1 billion per annum over the period in growth - it’s an enormous period of growth in business between the two countries.
“We believe
“We believe that with the right support, our SME’s will be able to seize the opportunities that are being created by a China economy that is experiencing significant economic growth in its middle class and consumption requirements.
“That’s what today’s forum is all about and we hope to have many many more in the future.”
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