China Path Podcast

After just completing his period of self quarantine as required from his return from Beijing, we caught up with Paul Cheyne, the Trade and Investment Commissioner for Austrade at the Australian Embassy to discuss how the coronavirus was being felt on the ground in China, the measures undertaken by both the Chinese and Australian governments to mitigate its economic impact and how the situation bodes for both countries throughout 2020.

To kick off the new year on the podcast, we catch up with Mark Tanner from the Shanghai based marketing and research agency China Skinny to unpack some of the prevailing themes in consumption in China and Chinese culture in general. We look at the work China Skinny does at breaking down Chinese target audiences by generation, region and purchasing habits. We discuss the Chinese governments ability to influence the Chinese consumer as well as the increasing competitiveness of local Chinese brands. We also look at some of the notable cultural faux pas of foreign brands in China and what trends to look out for in the coming years.

In our 50th episode, we sit down with newly elected ACBC National President, David Olsson. In our chat, we discuss the current state of bilateral relations, the inherent underpinnings of the Australia-China economic relationship, China literacy, Australia's prospects under the Belt and Road Initiative, the digitalisation of the Renminbi and the role David sees ACBC playing as Australia-China engagement continues to evolve.

An Australian living in China for over 22 years, Heidi Dugan hosts the long running popular TV program, You Are The Chef, on the Oriental Shopping Channel with over 6 million viewers daily. While not so well known to Australians Heidi is a household name in China, where she is often recognised in the street by the millions of Chinese people who have grown up watching her cooking show. In our chat we discuss Heidi’s China journey from studying in Wuhan to thriving off the Shanghai pace of life in her new home. We look at how she became the only western TV presenter in China with a license to broadcast live on Chinese TV, as well as the role she plans as an ambassador to foreign brands and how Australian products can do more to have an edge in the China market. Heidi also offers her tips for learning Chinese and where to eat off the beaten path in Shanghai

On this week’s episode, we sit down with Jack Brady from AustCham Shanghai to get the low down on how Australian businesses are tracking on the ground in China’s commercial heartland. We speak with Jack about the recent launch of AustCham Shanghai’s grand new residence at the recently opened Australia House that will house Australian firms and be a vital Australian business hub in Shanghai. We also discuss tracking Australian business sentiment in China, how AustCham is engaging with Chinese alumni returning from their studies in Australia and how Australian firms can improve their China literacy.

On this week’s episode we take a look at how one of the world’s fastest growing exercise crazes, F45 Training is breaking into China. We catch up with General Manager for F45 Training Shanghai Lauren Hogan to hear about how the Australian born high intensity training phenomenon is tapping into China's growing demand for health and wellness. We also look at how F45's franchise model works in China and how WeChat is used to recruit trainers and participants in China’s growing fitness scene.

On this week’s episode, we sit down with James Hudson from Alibaba – China's biggest e-commerce company and one of the world’s most dynamic shopping and retail innovators. We speak with James about the various platforms on the Alibaba ecosystem and which ones are relevant to both emerging and more established Australian brands. We discuss the revolutionary new retail Hema Fresh Supermarkets, Alibaba’s E-Commerce Expo and how November 11th’s Singles Day has become such a monumental event in China’s cultural and consumer world.

On this episode we sit down with a true legend of Australia-China business. Michelle Garnaut is one of the most respected and recognised restaurateurs in Asia and was described by Time magazine as “an industry celebrity” as well as “the pioneer of China’s fashionable-dining scene”. With over 30 years’ experience covering every facet of the service industry, from dish washing to cooking, from waiting tables to bar tending, from marketing to management, Michelle founded M at the Fringe in Hong Kong (1989-2009) M on the Bund (1999) and Capital M in Beijing (2009). Each becoming an icon in its city. We chat to Michelle about the story behind each of her restaurants, each location’s challenges and peculiarities, as well as how each city has changed over her more than 3 decades working in China. We also discuss Michelle’s philanthropy work, such as establishing the Shanghai literary festival, her role on the board with the Australian global network Advance and leading the female empowering Mentor Walks operating all over the world.

On this episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with Australia’s new ambassador to China Mr Graham Fletcher. In our chat we discuss some of the protocols and job duties of being an ambassador and also how the embassy and consulates in China serve Australians and Australian business in China. We ask Graham about the unique aspects of the role of being an ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, whether political ups and downs in the relationship affect business and what impact an individual can have on the role of ambassador.

On this episode, the third and final part of our market entry mini-series, we discuss how a business can ensure long term success by committing to the market. I’m once again joined by China product expert Matthew McKenzie as discuss market presence, hiring staff, company registration, payment, changing regulations, organic certification, new retail, digital marketing, Australian successful stories and the importance of timing.

On this week’s episode we take a look at the opportunities for firms in utilising digital marketing in China. Jessica Miao from United Media Solution (UMS) explains how Australian firms can leverage China’s various digital platforms, such as WeChat, to raise their profile in China and build online channels. We look Chinese digital and online usage habits, the functionality of WeChat, the rise of super apps and cost-effective ways businesses can engage with digital marketing.

On this episode, we're joined by Raymond Ng from Accestra as we look at navigating China’s Import Regulations. We discuss the most common reasons why goods get rejected at customs, such as labelling, ingredients and non-compliance testing. We discuss the new draft legislation on animal testing requirements, how individual ports function uniquely, how to avoid trademark squatters and the impact the US-China Trade war is having on the ground with tariffs and US market presence. ‘This Activity received funding from Austrade as part of the Free Trade Agreement Market Entry Grant Program’ ‘The views expressed herein are not necessarily the views of the Commonwealth of Australia, and the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility for any information or advise contained herein’

On this episode, the second part of our market entry mini-series, we discuss where to launch your product in China. Once again joined by China product expert Matthew McKenzie, we discuss the prominent trade shows that occur across China and how a company can best prepare themselves prior to exhibiting. We also look at the opportunities of lower trier regional cities, taking the initial steps via e-commerce channels and leveraging daigous to sell your product on their behalf. ‘This Activity received funding from Austrade as part of the Free Trade Agreement Market Entry Grant Program’ ‘The views expressed herein are not necessarily the views of the Commonwealth of Australia, and the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility for any information or advise contained herein’

On this episode we look at the opportunities of entering the market with via e-commerce with Will Zhao, Chief Executive, of eCargo. Will outlines the platforms available via the multiple eCommerce platforms on eCargo along with knowing whether a company is ready to engage with the China market, the need for a constant in-market presence, understanding the changing needs of consumers in market, the level of investment required and a product appeal beyond simply clean and green. ‘This Activity received funding from Austrade as part of the Free Trade Agreement Market Entry Grant Program’ ‘The views expressed herein are not necessarily the views of the Commonwealth of Australia, and the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility for any information or advise contained herein’

On this episode we look at the complex world of getting compliance right when importing goods into China with Mette Knudsen, CEO & Partner at Knudsen CRC. We look at the latest changes in import regulations from changes in inspections, ports and documentation, as well as product regulation updates, such as ingredient checks, animal testing and organic certification. Mette also explains how compliance has become more process based where its increasingly what you know, rather than who you know at customs in China. We also discuss how political issues in the Aus-China bilateral relationship affect product imports at the border. ‘This Activity received funding from Austrade as part of the Free Trade Agreement Market Entry Grant Program’ ‘The views expressed herein are not necessarily the views of the Commonwealth of Australia, and the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility for any information or advise contained herein’

To start our new series on market entry we have the first of three episodes on market access essentials with China branding expert Matthew McKenzie, where we cover what businesses need to know about the China market before entering, from whether your product is desired in China, how to appropriately price your product, how to protect your brand, where to seek assistance in China and what you need to know about seeking out suitable Chinese partners. Thanks to funding from Austrade, over the next year we’ll be speaking with experts on the fundamentals of market access to China as well the latest developments in intellectual property, branding, customs compliance, digital marketing, new retail, Chinese consumer needs, government grants and more.

On this episode we look at the Chinese art scene with Brian Wallace of Beijing’s Red Gate Gallery who's had a front row seat to the evolution of Chinese art since the mid 80s. We discuss the history of the gallery itself, from its birth in a Ming dynasty guard tower to its current location at the epicentre of Chinese art in Beijing’s 798 Art District. We also look at the life of a modern day Chinese artist, avoiding censors and the growing culture of art collection among China’s affluent middle class.

On this episode we look at Chinese Hai Gui or overseas returnees, often translated as Sea Turtles, to look at the experience of Chinese alumni who have studied in Australia and since returned to China. We track down alumni, who are now working back in China to see how their life and education as students in Australia has prepared them for life working in China. In a double episode of the China Path Podcast, we catch up with Cheng Lei, who anchors the program Global Business on the Chinese English Language State Broadcaster, CGTN, and Peng Tao, the President of Air Bnb China. Cheng Lei discusses how she made a career change from Ausralia’s corporate sector to anchoring her own program on China’s state broadcaster. We look at the soft skills that can be learnt studying in Australia, the prominence of Australia in Chinese media and how Australian executive experience of China stacks up against western competition. Peng Tao describes his journey as a former Melbourne University graduate, who went on to become the President of one of the world’s largest start ups in China. We discuss the appeal of Australia for Chinese students, tips on integrating into Australian culture, getting involved in start ups and how Air BnB has become the prime accommodation choice for Chinese millennials.

We catch up with China Correspondent for the Australian Financial Review, Michael Smith, in Shanghai to look at life as a business correspondent in China, what it’s like sifting through the trends and themes in Chinese media and the challenge of accessing sources for stories. We also discuss the Australian business presence in China, including the difference between businesses who fly in / fly out and those permanently on the ground in China. We evaluate the experience of Australian executives in the China market, the importance of MOUs, Joint ventures, the current status of coal exports and how the US-China Trade war could affect Australian economic engagement with the PRC.

On this episode we look at FASIC – The Foundation for Australian Studies in China. FASIC is an independent non-profit foundation established in Australia to support Australian Studies Centres located at universities across China. We catch up with the current BHP Chair of Australian Studies located at Peking University in Beijing, Pookong Kee and Assistant Professor Dan Hu from Beijing Foreign Studies University. We look at what sort of Chinese student chooses Australian studies, what they learn in the course and Chinese awareness of Australia more broadly.

In December 2018 The Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme or FITS commenced with the intention to provide public and government decision-makers with visibility of the nature, level and extent of foreign influence on Australia's government and political process. The scheme introduces registration obligations for persons and entities who have arrangements with, and undertake certain activities on behalf of, foreign principals. Whether a person or entity is required to register depends on who the foreign principal is, the nature of the activities undertaken, the purpose for which the activities are undertaken, and in some cases, whether the person has held a senior public position in Australia. To help sift the complexities of the legislation and understand how this could practically relate to Australian firms, Lucinda Atkinson, Assistant Secretary from the Federal Attorney General’s Department, describes what a foreign principal is, what activities require registration under the act and how to determine whether someone is acting ‘on behalf or in accordance of the wishes’ of a foreign principal. We look at case studies for ministers of parliament, investors, universities, media organisations and industry groups. We also discuss the process of registration, non-compliance and the future of the act.

In 2018 Chinese tourists to Australia overtook New Zealand as Australia's largest outbound tourist market. On this episode we look at the massive influx of Chinese tourists who are making Australia their preferred holiday destination and evaluate how Australian firms are tailoring their tourism offering to meet the demands of its largest and growing market. Asialink Business Director Nick Henderson explains how and why a Chinese holiday maker decides to travel overseas and the process of planning for their holiday. We also discuss the particular needs of Chinese tourists, their spending power and the digital platforms, such as C Trip, Union Pay and WeChat, helping Australian firms connect with Chinese tourists.

On this episode we take a look at the current level of Australia’s Chinese language proficiency – or lack of it and look at what needs to be done to encourage a greater take up of Mandarin across schools, business and society in general. Dr. Jane Orton from the University of Melbourne discusses why the current number of Australian speakers from a non-Chinese background is so low and what needs to be done to encourage greater take up. We look at whether other countries around the world are doing in better in learning Chinese, how a working level proficiency of Chinese can positively impact a business and what language learners can do to learn Chinese more efficiently and take their language skills to the next level.

On this episode we take a look at the Australia China Youth Dialogue (ACYD) - the preeminent youth focused organisation that promotes frequent and meaningful dialogue between emerging leaders from both Australia and China. Since 2010 the ACYD has sought to enhance Australia-China relations by forging networks between key and emerging individuals from both sides of the bilateral relationship to forge deeper connections for the future.

On this episode we speak with Linda Jakobson, Founding Director and CEO of China Matters, to help make sense of the evolving Australia-China landscape. We look at the prospects for the bilateral relationship in 2019, what Australia’s new China narrative should look like, the trade war, Belt and Road, Australia’s current level of China literacy and which country Linda believes is best-practice in managing its China relationship.

On this episode we speak with Danny Armstrong, Managing Partner from ShineWing Australia, on the need and benefits of an in-market presence in China. We look at what a business needs to consider in having boots on the ground in China, how an e-commerce channel can test the waters of your product, the proposition of leapfrogging the competition in 3rd and 4th tier cities and the process of transferring funds out of China.

While 2018 year marks the 40th anniversary of China’s Reform and Opening up, it is also the year that the Australia China Council commemorates its first 40 years. 5 years after Australia began its engagement with the Peoples Republic of China, the ACC was established as an institution within the Australian Government devoted to promote mutual understanding and foster people-to-people relations between Australia and China. As the ACC looks back on its four-decade long achievements, its current Chair, The Hon Warwick Smith, looks back on the work of the ACC to foster ties in economic diplomacy, education and arts and culture. We discuss the work undertaken by the ACC in agriculture in China, arts exchanges that have seen numerous tours of the Australia Ballet to China, The Age helping to set up the China Daily, the first Chinese English language media entity in the PRC and FASIC, the Foundation for Australian studies in China.

International education has become Australia’s 3rd largest export sector valued at $28 billion. As of 2018, currently more than 166,000 of those students, or 43% of the total cohort come from China to pursue their tertiary study at a reputable and high-quality Australian university. On this episode we look at the motivating factors behind a student in China opting for Australia as a study destination. What exactly goes into their decision-making process? We speak to a group of Chinese students currently undertaking language training in Melbourne and on the verge of beginning their university studies. We take a look at the role international university rankings play in their decision in choosing to study in Australia and how Australia compares to America, the UK and Canada in the minds of prospective students. We also hear what they tell their family and friends about their first impressions and expectations studying here, the products their families want sent to them and whether they intend to look for work in Australia or return to China after completing their degree.

As the first foreign sports league to play games in China for points, the Port Adelaide Football Club has been the pioneer and driving force of seeing the AFL played annually in China for the last 2 years. On this episode, we speak with Port’s Andrew Hunter on the rationale behind Port’s China strategy, the underrated role sports diplomacy can play in Australia-China relations and what goes into making an AFL game a reality on the ground in China.

With China becoming an increasingly competitive market, it’s vital to understand how to make your product stand out and align with Chinese tastes. On this episode we speak with Andrew Kuiler from The Silk Initiative in Shanghai about refining your long term brand strategy in China. We discuss the Chinese consumer’s evolving tastes, the central government’s health targets and considerations businesses need to take regarding the labelling, packaging and flavours of their products from a company with extensive China market experience with clients such as Arnot’s, PepsiCo, Campbells, Pizza Hut Mccain Foods and Brolos Lobsters. Andrew Kuiler is the founder and CEO of The Silk Initiative, China’s only specialised food and beverage insights-driven brand consultancy. A native Australian, Andrew managed a global career where he quickly climbed the ladder of large agencies in Shanghai, New York, and Sydney before carving out his own path with the launch of TSI. I hope you enjoy our discussion.

On this episode we speak with Deanne Bevan from the OneSky Foundation on operating a charity in China. Deanne explains how OneSky originally got started and achieved registration as an NGO charity in China. We look at the wonderful work OneSky does with children across China and how it delivers child care capabilities and training to China's emerging charity sector. We also discuss China's new charity law, the growing philanthropy sector in China and how donors get involved with the Foundation.

This episode is on the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra who in May completed a 10-day tour of China, performing in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou and Beijing. We caught up with the MSO’s Chairman Michael Ullmer on the Shanghai leg of their tour to discuss the popularity of classical music among young people in China, what’s involved in putting a China tour together and how cultural ties can help bring opportunities for Australian business.

On this episode of the podcast we're joined by Andrea Myles, co-founder and CEO of CAMP, the China Australia Millennial Project that is a world first, bilateral innovation and cross-cultural leadership program that connects leading talent in between both Australia and China. In our discussion we look at why Chinese millennial stand out, what takes place on a CAMP program, how to build long term relationships in China and how Chinese and Australian skill sets complement each other, particularly in the innovation sector.

On this episode we speak with China Policy's Managing Director Philippa Jones on China's policy environment. We look at how policy is formulated in China and how interpreting policy can feed into the strategy of Australian business. Philippa outlines the importance of 5 year plans, China's public policy debates and the country's evolution towards rules based governance. We also take a look at major policy initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, ChAFTA, China 2025 and China's climate policy.

On this episode we speak with the ABC’s China Correspondent Bill Birtles on covering China for an Australian audience. We discuss sourcing stories as diverse as waste, the economy, trade war, the AFL in China, Chinese politics, the Australia-China relationship, Chinese millennials and even the rare issue dog meat in China. We look at the life of a foreign correspondent in Beijing from responding to stories as they break, utilising Chinese language in interviews, VISA renewal and gaining access to Chinese government spokespeople. Bill also shares his experience working for Chinese English language media and what the average Chinese person thinks of Australia.

On this episode we look at the growing sector of education and how two-way student mobility fosters Australia-China engagement. Outgoing Minister Counsellor for Education and Research Katherine Vickers discusses why Chinese students see Australia as a popular study destination and look at areas Australia could improve in the highly competitive industry of international education. We also look at the opportunities for Tafe institutions and Australians studying under the New Colombo Plan in China, Chinese students appraise their time in Australia and whether recent challenges in the Australia-China relationship has an affect on student numbers.

In 2020, China’s population is expected to reach 1.4 billion, 248 million of whom will be over 60 years. This rapid growth in an ageing population presents China with a demographic challenge that looks to reshape traditional norms of the how the family takes care of the elderly in a new modern China. At the same time, China’s evolving middle class demands higher quality services, world class medical technology and experienced health care workers to care for the aged.. By 2020, the Central Government aims to provide more aged care beds and a workforce of 10 million aged care workers. As a world leader in the professional service of aged care, Australia has an opportunity to play a pivotal role in helping China develop its aged care capacity. Indeed, under the China Australia Free Trade Agreement, Australia now has unique access to China’s health care market and can now operate in China without the need of a local partner. On this episode we speak with Carol Allen from Sapphire Holdings on how Australian aged care providers are taking advantage of Australia’s aged care expertise in China. We discuss Sapphire International’s aged care facility currently under construction in Beijng’s pristine Fragrant Hills, the experience of working with local partners on the ground in China and the unique differences in training and educating Chinese aged care workers. Carol joined the Sapphire Group Board in 2003 and in 2015 became the CEO of Sapphire International Holdings to oversee international strategy and operation. With more than 30 years’ experience in the community sector Carol’s passion is to change the way aged care is delivered; She has now formed a team of highly committed and experienced managers who share her vision and are working with her to take this vision into China

On this episode we're joined by former Australian Ambassador to China Dr. Geoff Raby to take a look at the current state of Australia-China relations and ask whether political bumps in the road affect business engagement and the people to people links between Australia and China. Geoff looks back on his time as ambassador, how to get the relationship back on track and how his extensive personal collection of Chinese contemporary arts mirrors how China has changed over recent decades. He is also curating the first ever all female, Chinese art exhibition outside of China, Sworn Sisters, opening at the Vermillion Art Gallery in Sydney on May 24th, 2018.

As talk of a trade war intensifies between the US and China, on this episode we speak with customs and global trade specialist Russell Wiese from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers to explain the impact of a trade war. We look to understand why a trade war is on the horizon, what the potential impact may be for Australia (and the China Australia Free Trade agreement) and how businesses can prepare themselves in an unpredictable global trade environment.

With Australian wine exports to China breaking through the $1 billion mark for the first time and growth at 51%, there is no question that China has a taste for Australian wine. On this episode we speak with wine maker Katherine Brown from one of Australia’s most successful family companies and wine brands, Brown Brothers, that has been making wine in Victoria for over 125 years. We discuss the types of wine popular in China, how the Chinese wine consumer's palate is evolving, pairing wine with Chinese food and how Brown Brothers is making its mark with a new generation of wine drinkers at universities and gyms around China.

On this episode we discuss rock lobsters with the Geraldton Fisherman Cooperative that exports nearly 4,000 tonnes of Rock Lobster every year, the majority off which is now exported to China. We speak with the Co-op’s Matt Rutter about the rock lobster journey from off the Western Australian coast to the Chinese dinner table. We also discuss the importance of Chinese partnerships, the impact of ChAFTA and how to reach and understand your target market in China.

This week's podcast takes a look at building your brand in China. Aromababy's Catherine Cervasio takes us through how she has made her brand of organic skincare a success in China. Catherine talks about consumer education, registering her brand for retail, packaging, organic certification, how telling a brand story is different in China, maintaining a presence on the ground and being a female entrepreneur. For this episode's shownotes, visit acbc.com.au/podcasts

With much talk over the past 2 years of the opportunities provided by ChAFTA (The China Australia Free Trade Agreement), how much of an effect has the agreement had on Australian businesses? In this episode we speak with Austrade Senior Trade Commissioner for North China, Dan Tebbutt, who discusses the impact of ChAFTA in export goods, services, investment, tourism and education, and the role Austrade plays on the ground in China. Dan also reveals ChAFTA’s high utilisation rate with Australian companies, addresses how ChAFTA has made Australia a more attractive business partner in the eyes Chinese businesses and the overall maturity of the China market.

In this episode we get the Chinese perspective on investment into Australia and also discuss a potential new framework for the Australia China relationship with Professor Peter Drysdale from the Australian National University’s Crawford School of Public Policy and Professors Liu Shangdong and Lin Jiang from the think tank the China Centre for International Economic Exchange. In our discussion that was recorded in Beijing in October 2017, we get the Chinese view on the complementary nature of Chinese investment into Australia, as well as the need for clarity on investment guidelines and the context of Chinese investment within Australia. We also address the effect ChAFTA has had on the bilateral relationship and ascertain how an Australia China Commission could provide long term stability to the Sino-Australia relationship. In 2016 the ANU and CCIEE collaborated on the report the Australia China Joint Economic Report – the first major independent study of the Australia China relationship, compiled with support from both Beijing and China. The report has subsequently been delivered to Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

With Australian exports to China rising 25% over 2016/17 to $110 Billion, it is hard to argue ChAFTA has not played a significant role in its two years since coming into effect. However, for businesses looking to take advantage of its tariff reductions, accessing ChAFTA is not automatic. In this episode, The Export Council of Australia's Collins Rex walks through the four steps essential in businesses reducing the price of their exports to China. Collins also discusses the advantages of the agreement's most favoured nation status, how to price your goods under a falling tariff schedule and how to compare the price benefits to your goods with other FTAs.

By declaring 'let some people get rich first', Deng Xiaoping sparked off economic development along China's east coast. However, today China's south-west and lower tier cities are rapidly catching up and have much to offer Australian businesses in trade and investment. The Victorian Government's Deputy Commissioner Lisa Renkin outlines how the South West offers first mover advantage, greater access to government officials and fast developing infrastructure, as well as significant opportunities in the health sector with increasing demand in health, med tech and aged care expertise, as well as the incentives of Chengdu’s High Tech Zones

While Australians can be skeptical about intellectual property protection in China, IP Australia’s David Bennett puts forward a different picture China's IP environment, where by being actively engaged, Australian businesses can ensure their IP is protected by understanding that Chinese IP works differently. David discusses registering your IP, Ip enforcement and also points out how invested the Chinese authorities are in establishing a fair IP playing field that protects both local and foreign firms.

While ChAFTA has certainly opened up doors and increased the opportunities for Australian businesses, the sheer size and enormity of the China market can be quite daunting for Australian exporters. How do I get started? What city is best for my product? How do I reach my target market? What’s my product’s point of difference? Who can provide me with support on the ground in China? These are all familiar questions of exporters looking to understand the China market better and tailor their export strategy accordingly. In this episode, we talk to Matthew McKenzie of the Export Group to address some of these questions and offer advice to exporters.

In this episode we speak with Austrade National Manager Richard Coote to explore the view in the China market and how the Australian government can support businesses over in China. Richard rates Australia’s in market China presence compared to international competition and how ChAFTA and Australia’s first mover advantage is playing a role. We also discuss the benefit of operating on the ground in China, how business can make their first moves into the market and how vital it is to play the long game when doing business in China. Richard also offers how the Australian government can help with Export Grants, utilising the Shanghai Landing Pad and its calendar event A Week that will be taking place in 2018.

Making connections with Chinese partners is essential for exporters. This episode comes from the Victorian Government's Food and Beverage Trade Week, where 160 exporters showcase their goods to potential Chinese buyers. We talk to businesses about their China strategy, what barriers to trade they face and whether ChAFTA is making an impact on their exports.

Former Trade and Investment Minister Andrew Robb joins the China Path Podcast to share his experiences overseeing ChAFTA negotiations and what the agreement means for Australia. Andrew gives his thoughts on the business take up of ChAFTA, his personal experiences of the negotiations and how he managed to secure access to Australian services under the agreement.