On 28 March, Vaughn Barber, Chair of the China-Australia Chamber of Commerce (AustCham China), was interviewed by Yicai Global during the Boao Forum for Asia. In the feature, Vaughn shared valuable insights into the evolving Australia-China trade relationship and the opportunities it presents for Australian businesses.
“China is a market to learn from, not just a market for us to sell into,” Vaughn told Yicai, emphasizing the need for a reciprocal partnership. He highlighted Australia’s growing confidence in the Chinese market, underpinned by a stable bilateral relationship, increased executive engagement, the removal of trade barriers, and China’s unilateral visa-free policy for Australian citizens.
Drawing on preliminary results from the 2024 Doing Business in China report, Vaughn revealed that over 86% of respondents expressed a “somewhat positive” or “very positive” outlook on the bilateral relationship, with nearly 67% ranking China as their “top priority” or “one of the top three priorities” for global investment.
Vaughn outlined key sectors for collaboration, including agriculture, renewable energy, healthcare, and e-commerce, noting that Australian businesses can leverage China’s strengths—such as its leadership in solar power, battery storage, and biotechnology—to drive mutual growth. He also underscored the critical role of Chinese imports and investment in shaping Australia’s future industries, alongside opportunities in energy trade, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), which supports China’s cleaner energy transition.
Reflecting on China’s 2025 Government Work Report from the Two Sessions, Vaughn pointed to policies boosting domestic demand and new quality productive forces as areas of interest for AustCham China members. These developments could open doors for Australian exporters and foster collaboration on innovative technologies vital to both economies.
For Australian companies looking to succeed in China, Vaughn advised aligning with China’s strategic priorities, staying close to the market to understand consumer needs, and building resilient supply chains. While acknowledging challenges like regulatory complexity and geopolitical risks, he expressed optimism about ongoing efforts to enhance investor trust and regulatory consistency.
Read the full Yicai Global interview [link] to explore Vaughn’s perspectives on how AustCham China members can maximize opportunities and strengthen ties in this dynamic market.