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 miti…

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 …

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 rol…

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 hav…

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…

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…

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 revol…

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 …

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…

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…

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 …

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, h…

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 tri…

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, understand…

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 organ…

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, wh…

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 Distri…

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 work…

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 …

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 As…

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 arrange…

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 growin…

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 n…

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 fr…

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 …

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 3…

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 under…

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…

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…

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 gove…

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 emergi…

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 i…

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 …

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 r…

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 …

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 indu…

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 …

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 relationsh…

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 agreem…

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…

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 im…

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, maintainin…

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, in…

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 Inter…

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 Re…

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 Sout…

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 …

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…

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…

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…