"Professor James Laurenceson strikes an optimistic tone on bilateral ties, calling it 'hard to maintain a pessimistic view' given the deeply complementary economic relationship. Unlike more competitive dynamics with Western nations, Australia enjoys uniquely symbiotic trade with China across minerals, agriculture, education, and even emerging sectors like EVs—where BYD now outsells Tesla 6-to-1. 'Australia and China may have the best complementary relationship in the global economy today,' Laurenceson argues, as business surveys confirm sustained engagement despite political tensions."
Author: bjaustcham
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China Remains Top Investment Priority for Australian Businesses, Survey Reveals
The Global Times reports that China remains a top investment priority for Australian businesses, with an AustCham survey showing 75% rank it among their top three global markets. Growing profitability and revenue growth highlight strong market confidence, while 86% of firms express optimism about Australia-China relations. Emerging sectors like clean energy complement traditional industries, as both nations deepen economic ties. The findings underscore China's enduring appeal as Australian businesses capitalize on expanding opportunities.
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China-Australia Economic and Trade Cooperation Continues to Deepen: AustCham Report Highlights Key Opportunities and Challenges
Vaughn Barber and Tian Zhang's press release published by 国际金融报 highlights a new phase in China-Australia economic ties, with AustCham's latest survey revealing 70% of foreign businesses rank China among their top three investment destinations. Profitability surged to 75% in 2024, driven by traditional sectors and emerging opportunities in clean energy, EVs, and biotech. AustCham China's Vaughn Barber notes alignment between China's tech investments and Australia's FMIA initiative, while warning that geopolitical risks demand agile strategies. The report underscores China's enduring appeal—but success requires adapting to a more competitive, policy-driven landscape.
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James Laurenceson on Deepening Ties with China Essential for Australia’s Economic Future
On 10 June, Professor James Laurenceson, Director of the Australia-China Relations Institute at the University of Technology Sydney, spoke to 21st Century Business Herald in Beijing, advocating for deeper Australia–China cooperation across emerging industries, trade, education, and innovation. Laurenceson emphasized that for Australia, meaningful engagement with China is not just beneficial, it is essential.
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James Laurenceson Urges Australia to Deepen Engagement with China’s Emerging Industries
On 9 June, Professor James Laurenceson, Director of the Australia-China Relations Institute at the University of Technology Sydney, was interviewed by 21st Century Business Herald in Beijing. He emphasized China’s growing leadership in future-focused sectors like EVs, wind, and solar, urging Australia to deepen engagement with China to remain competitive in the global economy. Laurenceson called on Australian businesses to move beyond transactional trade and embed themselves in the Chinese market to fully leverage long-term opportunities.
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AustCham China Chair and CEO on Deepening Australia–China Cooperation Key to Future Industry Growth
On 9 June, Vaughn Barber, Chair of the China-Australia Chamber of Commerce (AustCham China), and Tian Zhang, CEO of AustCham China, were interviewed by Go Global Navigation Network (Ministry of Commerce) in Beijing. In the interview, they highlighted China’s growing global role in future industries and reaffirmed AustCham’s commitment to supporting Australian businesses as they adapt to emerging opportunities in the Chinese market.
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AustCham Chair and CEO on Green Synergy and Strategic Confidence in China
On 5 June, International Business Daily interviewed AustCham China Chair Vaughn Barber and CEO Tian Zhang following the release of the 2025 Doing Business in China Report, the chamber’s most comprehensive survey to date. With nearly 70% of firms ranking China as a top-three investment destination, the findings reflect growing confidence in China’s role as a hub for innovation, clean energy, and strategic industries. Barber and Zhang emphasized emerging opportunities in EVs, green hydrogen, and critical minerals, alongside a shift toward deeper local engagement and geographic expansion.
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Australian Businesses Remain Confident in China’s Market Potential Amid Global Headwinds says AustCham CEO
On 8 June, AustCham China’s 2025 Doing Business in China report was cited as evidence of continued optimism among Australian firms operating in China, despite intensifying geopolitical tensions and ongoing U.S.– China trade frictions. James Laurenceson pointed to China’s relative policy stability and strategic importance, while also advocating for a balanced approach to national security and economic ties. Additionally, AustCham CEO Tian Zhang emphasized that bilateral cooperation continues to hold vast potential.
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AustCham Chair and CEO highlights Confidence in China and Strategic Growth Areas for Australian Firms
On 11 June, AustCham’s Chair, Vaughn Barber, and CEO, Tian Zhang spoke with “Invest Shanghai” to explore AustCham China’s latest 2025 Doing Business in China survey. The report, its most comprehensive to date, collected insights from 858 companies deeply engaged in bilateral trade and investment. It revealed that nearly 70% of surveyed foreign firms still rank China among their top three global investment destinations for the next three years. In 2024, over 75% reported profitability in China, with 51% experiencing year-on-year revenue growth.
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China Remains Core to Australia’s Trade Future Amid Global Uncertainty, says AustCham Chair
On 17 June, Vaughn Barber, Chair of the China-Australia Chamber of Commerce (AustCham China), spoke with 21st Century Business Herald in Beijing, affirming that despite rising global trade tensions, particularly following new U.S. tariff hikes, Australia remains firmly committed to deepening economic ties with China.