Establishment Objectives Activities

Consultation News & Information

	Establishment
	The present day Australia China Business Council was officially launched in Canberra on 19 November 1996 by the then Minister for Trade, Tim Fischer. The new organisation was the outcome of a merger between the old Australia China Business Council and the Australia-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry Limited (ACCI). These were the two principal Australia-China business organisations formed in 1973 and 1974 respectively, after the normalization of relations between Australia and China. The creation of a single business organisation dedicated to promoting business & trade between the two countries, highlighted the growing importance being attached to the economic aspect of Australia's overall relationship with the People's Republic of China. Today business and trade has become the single most important side of the Australia - China relationship. The Australia China Business Council (ACBC) is the premier business organisation in Australia for the promotion of commercial relationships with China. The Council operates out of strong autonomous branches in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA and the Northern Territory.

	Objectives
	The main objectives of the Australia China Business Council are as follows: To provide information programs and opportunities for the Australian business community to network on China business activities with their peers; To host events with senior contacts with the Australian and Chinese Governments; To represent members views to Australian and Chinese policy makers and act as a conduit between governments and the Australian business community; To support the promotion of Australia's commercial interests in China; To develop and maintain a high level of support for the Council's activities from the respective governments and collaborate in relevant government-initiated programs; To promote business education programs on how to do business in China; To encourage social and cultural exchanges between Australia and China.

	Activities
	Strong State-based branches provide regular activities for members. The Council also sponsors a number of national events each year. These include: National Day of Networking for members in Canberra. The annual China Oration given by an outstanding Australian or international expert. The dinner accompanying this function provides an opportunity for members to meet one another and to receive an up-to-date briefing on issues affecting our business relations with China. Trade missions to China. The Council has close links with expatriate groups in China as well as with Chinese groups and officials. Meetings and discussions with visiting Chinese delegations.

	Consultation
	One of the principal functions of the Council is to maintain close links with the Australian Government through regular contact with government ministers and senior officials. The ACBC's National Secretary plays a crucial role in ensuring this happens. The National Day of Networking also provides members from each State Branch with a way of becoming directly involved in the process. Through its State Branches, the ACBC seeks to ensure that issues of concern to members are readily identified and brought to the attention of government. Regular activities arranged by the State Branches keep members informed of the business environment in China via a network of business people experienced in China related trade and investment. These activities also provide members with a convenient way of raising issues of concern which can be communicated to government. In addition, the Council seeks to maintain close links with the respective Embassies and Consulates - both in Australia and China.

	News and Information
	The ACBC believes the provision of up-to-date information to members about business opportunities in China is one of its key responsibilities. Members are provided with ready access to an extensive range of news and information from a variety of sources via its website and online newsletter as well as China Connections, its official journal.