China's bilateral relationship with Victoria
China is Victoria's largest two-way trading partner, valued at A$39 billion, and a top-ranked destination for Australian exports, valued at A$6.4 billion in FY 2022-23.
China is a major market for Victoria’s live animals, wheat, beef and dairy products. It is also a major source of migrants, international students and tourists. Victoria's economic prosperity is strongly linked to the State's relationship with China.
Victorian Trade and Investment Offices
Supporting our relationship, the Victorian Government has offices in Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, Chengdu and Hong Kong, which play a vital role in the facilitation of trade, investment and the establishment of people to people links and partnerships between the regions.
Trade Agreements
China-Australia Free Trade Agreement
Entered into force in December 2015, the China Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) paves the way for Australia's economic relationship with China in terms of both trade and investment.
Australia-Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement
The Australia-Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement (A-HKFTA) and associated Investment Agreement (IA) entered into force on 17 January 2020.
For more information please refer to The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade:
- China-Australia Free Trade Agreement
- FTA text and tariff schedules
- ChAFTA fact sheets
- Australia-Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement (A-HKFTA) and associated Investment Agreement (IA)
Bilateral Relationships
National / Institutions
- International Chamber House (ICH) - a business networking hub for international bilateral chambers and business associations
- Australia China Business Council
- Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) (launched 1989)
- G20 (established 1999)
- World Trade Organisation (WTO) (signed 2001)
State
- Victoria sister-state relationship with Jiangsu Province and Sichuan Province
Metropolitan Melbourne
- City of Melbourne sister-city relationship with Tianjin (established 1980)
- City of Bayside sister-city relationship with Cixi
- City of Latrobe sister-city relationship with Taizhou
- City of Merri-bek sister-city relationship with Xianyang
- City of Warrnambool sister-city relationship with Changchun
- City of Wyndham sister-city relationship with Changzhou
Regional Victoria
- Greater Bendigo sister-city relationship with Haimen (established 1996)
- Greater Geelong sister-city relationship with Lianyungang
- Greater Shepparton sister-city relationship with Lijiang
- Rural City of Mildura sister-city relationship with Dali
- Shire of Campaspe sister-city relationship with Shangri-La
Victorian Universities
We can help you with your next market entry project
If you are considering investing in Melbourne, we can help you scope the market opportunity in Melbourne/Australia and assist you with your business case development.
Working with us will allow you to be fully informed and limit the number of surprises associated with your new investment. Our staff are experienced and well connected and can introduce you to potential partners to help make your investment a success.
Contact us
China enquiries
contact Brett Stevens
Commissioner for Victoria to Greater China
Email Brett
Or go to our All Offices page to find your nearest Invest Victorian representative.