Victoria's relationship with China

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:

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

The University of Melbourne - Chinese University partner institutions

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