“With the Chamber, Australia as a proud trading nation is also committed to strengthening these ties with Northeast China.”

Interview with Eu-niz Chan, Deputy Consul General of Australia Consulate-General

New beginnings – Australia in Shenyang

Shenyang has long been a hub of commerce and industry in Northeast China, a region with a population of over 110 million people. It was no surprise that the Australian Government chose to establish Australia’s fifth official Mainland China post here in March 2019. We have a big agenda – to create a base from which Australians will learn more about this region’s priorities and challenges. Most of all, we’re looking for opportunities to work together. I remember putting up the first official Australian flag at our chancery to mark the start of operations – a very proud moment for me!

Working together with Northeast China 

Decades before we established our Consulate-General, Australia had already built relations with companies in this region. Strong bonds between economies promote prosperity, and that has certainly proven true here.

Australian engineering company Downer EDI’s unique partnership with China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation—the largest train manufacturer in the world—will see it deliver a thousand advanced technology trains from its Changchun base, servicing the spurring demand of Melbourne and Sydney commuters.  

A local distributor of Australian wine, Cork & Bean, now brings the cellar door experience to Shenyang, inviting wine lovers to savour classic bouquets of Australia’s historical wine regions in-store. Popular hotpot chain Tianshunyuan is sharing the natural flavours of organic Australian beef and lamb with Heilongjiang’s dining scene. And thanks to Qupai, one of this region’s major fruit distributors, Chinese consumers can enjoy grapes and oranges direct from Australian orchards.

Looking ahead

More than one year on from our establishment, the world is now heading towards the biggest downturn since the Great Depression following COVID-19. But we shouldn’t underestimate the resilience of both of our economies. Our communities and businesses have benefited enormously from our trade and investment ties, even during difficult periods in our diplomatic relationship. The excellent work of the European Chamber in Shenyang is also highly valued. With the Chamber, Australia as a proud trading nation is also committed to strengthening these ties with Northeast China.

Eu-niz Chan, Deputy Consul General of Australia Consulate-General