Chief Minister Michael Gunner and Minister for Primary Industry and Resources Paul Kirby, will lead a trade and business delegation to China this week to promote the Northern Territory on the international stage.

The Territory Government along with the Darwin Major Business Group will host the “Reaching South – to the Territory” event in Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province.

Reaching South will showcase the Northern Territory to business and industry representatives in Shenzhen and present a unique opportunity to connect with key business leaders and decision-makers in the region. 

More than 100 Territorians and 150 Chinese delegates will participant in the event which includes a trade and investment forum, a pop-up market, showcase dinner and dedicated sector programs.

The Reaching South event will match Northern Territory businesses with counterparts and potential partners  from China and include round tables and marketing promotion on agribusiness, tourism, energy and minerals, education and training, tropical health and research, transport freight and logistics.

While in China, Mr Gunner and Mr Kirby will also meet with key government, business and industry partners, including Austrade and members from the energy sector.

Following the Reaching South event, the Chief Minister and Minister Kirby will return to the Territory via Singapore where they will meet with government and industry representatives to discuss emerging private investment opportunities.   

Quotes attributed to Chief Minister Michael Gunner:

“We know that increasing private sector investment creates strong economic growth and more local jobs - especially more permanent jobs.

“This is why delegations like this – to our biggest trading partner - are so important.

“Businesses will benefit from face-to-face contact with local businesses from Shenzhen, which is a market of around 20 million people.

“This trip is also an example of how we are utilising the opportunity created by direct flights between Darwin and mainland China through the Territory Labor Government’s Turbocharging Tourism investment.”

Quotes to Minister for Primary Industry and Resources, Paul Kirby:

“Showcasing the Northern Territory on the international stage will assist in gaining further private investment in the Territory – which is a good thing for local jobs.

“The Territory Labor government supports our agribusiness sector, and it’s great to see out produce and innovation on display.

“Our government’s number one priority is creating jobs and driving investment into the Territory.”

Quotes from Chair of the Darwin Major Business Group, Ian Kew

“The recent introduction of direct flights from Darwin to Shenzhen has further strengthened the good relationship between the Northern Territory and China.

“In May 2018, Donghai Airlines commenced direct flights between Shenzhen and Darwin, increasing connectivity and opportunity for trade, investment and tourism

“Since the introduction of the direct flight between Shenzhen and Darwin, the number of Chinese visitors to the Northern Territory has increased by 48 per cent.”

Total travel costs for two Ministers and three staff: 

Flights: $17,100

Accommodation: $9,115

Media contact: Cameron Angus 0404 021 192