Gong Xi Fa Cai to Australia Chinese Business News and all Western Australian Chinese communities.

 

I am delighted to send you my best wishes for a very happy new year and to join you in welcoming in the Year of the Pig.

 

Western Australia is a diverse State where many different cultures meet, and where we enjoy celebrating a range of festivals originating from all over the world. The Chinese Lunar New Year is one of our largest community events and one that draws everyone closer together in cheerful family-friendly celebrations that span WA.

 

My government recognises Western Australia’s cultural diversity as one of our greatest strengths and celebrates the many contributions of the WA Chinese communities to the progress and development of this State.

 

Our relationship with China has been one of the real drivers of WA economic success. 

 

I am keen to ensure this government maintains a strong, respectful and prosperous relationship between China and our State. Increasing WA’s exports, attracting investment from China and diversifying the State’s economy are areas we are working on bolstering. 

 

China has been a strong performing market since direct flights on China Southern Airlines between Perth and Guangzhou were introduced, with the number of visitors more than doubling in that time. 

 

This is why we are implementing a new marketing strategy to increase the number of Chinese people visiting WA and we continue to work on securing more direct flights from China. 

 

A key plank of my government’s Plan for Jobs is to develop and implement an International Education Strategy aimed at growing and diversifying our economy. 

 

The strategy sends a message to the world that we are open for business as a world-class international education destination. We’re working to put Perth on the map as an education destination and welcome international students, their families and friends. 

 

It is my pleasure, on this most auspicious occasion in the Chinese calendar, to wish readers of Australia Chinese Business News and all Western Australians from Chinese heritage, happiness, prosperity and good health in the coming year.

 

 

Mark McGowan MLA

PREMIER