Ministerial visit to Shanghai and Hong Kong

I will visit Shanghai and Hong Kong between 4 and 8 November, to lead Australia's delegation to President Xi Jinping's inaugural China International Import Expo (CIIE). I will then travel to Hong Kong for meetings with various government and business leaders.

The inaugural CIIE in Shanghai is a key event for China to promote its trade and economic links with the international community. It's will be the largest trade show specifically for imported products and services ever staged in China, with more than 160,000 Chinese and international companies buyers to be represented.

The CIIE is a fitting way to mark China's modern economic success, which has lifted millions out of poverty and positively transformed the economy of our region.

In recognition of our ongoing close trade and investment, two-way education and tourism engagement with China, Australia will be strongly represented at CIIE. Over 200 Australian brands will be take part making our commercial presence the third-largest amongst the 130 countries participating.

We were one of sixty-six countries invited to establish a Country Pavilion at CIIE. Our Australian Pavilion will showcase brands and companies from a diverse range of industries including agriculture, mining, education, healthcare, tourism and manufacturing.

Australia's delegation also includes strong representation from State and Territory governments, and this high-level of representation reflects our ongoing commitment to our relationship with China.

During my visit I will also attend and address the Australia China Business Council National Board Meeting and witness the signings of a number of major trade and investment agreements that will further deepen Australia's business links with China. I will also progress Australia's economic and trade agenda with key counterparts in the Chinese Government.

In Hong Kong, I will meet my counterpart, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Edward Yau, to move forward negotiations on the Australia-Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement. I will also meet business representatives contributing to our growing economic relationship.