Australia Chinese Business Council, Queensland Chinese New Year Dinner

President, Mr Stephen Abbott and Council Members; Consul General Dr Zhao; Councillors; other distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

It is a great pleasure for me to join you again for Chinese New Year.  On this occasion we look forward to the Year of the Rooster and, to be specific, the Fire Rooster.   

I understand that the Chinese Zodiac suggests a few challenges ahead in 2017 for those born in the Year of the Rooster. This was the certainly the case in the recent past for a famous international sports star who was born in the Year of the Rooster, 1981. 

However, all Roosters can all take comfort from the fact that, though he had to struggle mightily to achieve his goal, he succeeded – and on Australian soil to boot. I’m referring, of course, to Roger Federer.

All worthwhile goals require hard work to achieve. The strengthening of the Queensland-China trade and investment relationship is clearly one of those goals.

Queenslanders support this important relationship in many ways and on many levels.   

In April last year, Premier Palaszczuk visited China to promote Queensland exports in goods and services like education and tourism to Hong Kong and mainland China.

I was fortunate to be personally involved in promoting the relationship in March last year, when I hosted the presentation of Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Awards. These awards, supported by the Cheung Kong Group and the Australian Government, provide scholarships for valuable educational exchanges between Australia and China.  

The Australian China Business Council’s Queensland Branch has, of course, played a vital role in the relationship since it was founded in the year of the Ox, 1973. 

The Council’s work has consistently reflected the admirable Ox characteristics of diligence, persistence and industriousness.

I thank and congratulate the Council on its role in boosting the Queensland-China relationship which, in turn, generates jobs and other significant economic benefits to both parties.    

I thank the executive and members of the Council for the warm welcome and hospitality they have extended to us this evening.

And I wish the Council, and all those who strive to support Queensland-China relations, a successful and prosperous Year of the Rooster.

Thank you.