As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future we’re working with key market sectors to support Tasmanian businesses to tap into new opportunities, diversify and become more resilient.
Tasmania has reaffirmed its strong trade relationship with China following a five-day Premier-led trade and investment mission to the State’s top export destination.
Visiting Hong Kong and mainland China earlier this month, Premier and Minister for Trade and Major Investment, Jeremy Rockliff, joined representatives from 12 Tasmanian businesses seeking to grow their relationships with international markets.
The mission saw engagements across various industry streams including international education, investment, food and agribusiness, tourism and aviation access, and Antarctic and Southern Ocean cooperation.
Premier Rockliff said the visit delivered important relationship-building outcomes for Tasmanian businesses while strengthening the State’s China trade ties.
“This mission has underscored the importance of a strong trade and investment link with China and Hong Kong which are both key markets for Tasmania,” the Premier said.
“Importantly, China was the largest importer of Tasmanian goods in the year to September 2024, accounting for around $1.39 billion or 31.1 per cent of Tasmania’s total nominal value of overseas exports.
“There is a wealth of opportunities for Tasmanian businesses in this market and it’s important we continue looking at ways to further strengthen these ties.”
Tasmania welcomed the recent news that Australian Rock Lobster, after four years, would be permitted to re-enter the China market by Chinese New Year.
As part of the mission, the Premier engaged with Beijing Donglong United International Trade Co. – who currently import USD $20 million of Tasmanian Salmon every year.
“I am pleased to announce that Beijing Donglong advised us on the last day of the mission, that they had been issued with the first official licence to import Tasmanian Rock Lobster into China,” the Premier said.
“This is a great outcome for many small family-owned Tasmanian businesses.”
Additionally, Premier Rockliff witnessed the signing of sales agreements for Nocton Vineyard and Pinnacle Fine Foods to export wine and cherries to the China market.
The Premier also met with Savour Tasmania participant Tony Cai from Shanghai He Hui Foods Co who has secured an agreement with Three Friends Abalone to import and distribute farmed abalone throughout supermarkets in China.
“It’s clear Tasmania has what the world wants and its fantastic that, through trade and investment opportunities, we’re able to provide targeted support for Tasmanian businesses to break into new markets,” the Premier said.
“International trade is critical to Tasmania’s economy, with our State’s international exports adding close to $6 billion per annum into the economy while supporting thousands of jobs.
“We will continue exploring off-island market opportunities that will enable our State’s exporters to grow and expand.”
Other highlights of the Premier’s program included:
