China’s growth is big business for Sydney

Local businesses will hear how they can tap into the opportunities created by China's rapid urbanisation at a major business forum and networking event in Sydney this month.

Experts from Australia and China will address more than 300 entrepreneurs, government representatives and academics at the Sydney China Business Forum on Monday 22 October.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the forum, which is sponsored by the City of Sydney, will give attendees insights into the dramatic growth of China's cities and the opportunities this growth is creating for Australian businesses.

Business representatives from Australia and China will also be invited to a Global Sydney briefing, business exchange and investor showcase on Tuesday 23 October, hosted by the City.

The Lord Mayor is urging Sydney businesses to make the most of China's growing market.

"The Sydney China Business Forum, now in its eighth year, is one of the leading events to focus on trade between Australia and China. It connects Chinese business delegates with local businesses to share challenges and opportunities around trade and investment," the Lord Mayor said.

"China's trade with the Sydney metro area is already estimated at more than $10 billion a year, but with 300-700 million people expected to live in China's cities by 2050, it's important local Sydney businesses are prepared to cater to this growing market.

"The City strives for sustainable, ground-breaking design and what we've learnt from recent urban renewal projects will be shared at this forum."

The business forum will be moderated by Sky News Business presenter Ticky Fullerton. Keynote presentations and panel discussions will cover topics including how urbanisation is affecting China's capacity to feed its citizens, the environmental challenges faced by rapidly growing cities, and the healthcare needs of growing and ageing populations.

Attendees will hear from representatives from Chinese ride-sharing company Didi Chuxing, prestigious medical journal The Lancet, pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk and Beijing-based environmental solutions company OriginWater.

Other speakers include representatives from the City of Sydney, the University of Sydney, the Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Sydney, Qingdao University and the Australian Water Association.

The Global Sydney briefing will feature presentations on programs run by the City to support Sydney's development as a global city, including the Resilient Sydney strategy, Sydney as a sustainable destination and support for international students.

The investor showcase will demonstrate Sydney's innovative approach to creating a healthy and sustainable city by taking Chinese business delegates on a tour of the Haymarket HQ innovation hub, as well as Green Square and the City's new Alexandra Canal depot.

The Sydney China Business Forum has become one of Australia's leading events focusing on business interactions between Australia and China. It is run by the China Studies Centre in collaboration with the University of Sydney Business School and the Charles Perkins Centre, and supported by a $20,000 sponsorship from the City.

For more information, visit sydney.edu.au/china-studies-centre/events/sydney-china-business-forum.html

For media inquiries or images, contact Keeley Irvin. Phone 0448 005 718 or email [email protected]

For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, phone 02 8974 4165 or email [email protected]