Sydney businesses on board for China celebrations

A business conference, orchestra performances, an arts project and an alumni event for graduates will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Sydney’s relationship with sister city Guangzhou in China.

The program of events in Guangzhou, between 30 May and 3 June next year, aims to strengthen links between the two cities and will showcase Australia’s businesses in a market actively seeking local partnerships.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said Sydney’s connections with China were integral to the city’s ongoing economic competitiveness.

“The City is committed to developing closer ties with Guangzhou and promoting Sydney as a flourishing international business and cultural gateway,” the Lord Mayor said.

“This program will showcase Sydney’s industries, business organisations, sustainability initiatives and cultural and creative enterprises in this important city in southern China.”

Five partners were selected to be part of the anniversary celebrations in Guangzhou after the City called for expressions of interest from peak industry, educational and cultural organisations.

Council approved funding of $150,000 to support the partners’ campaign activities in Guangzhou.

The five partners are:

Australia China Business Council (ACBC)

ACBC was established in 1973 to encourage two-way trade and investment, economic cooperation and understanding between the business communities of Australia and China.

ACBC will receive a $40,000 cash sponsorship to help organise a business conference that will align with the City of Sydney’s Sustainable Sydney 2030 goals – green, global and connected – followed by a gala dinner.

By bringing together approximately 240 delegates from Sydney and Guangzhou, the conference aims to demonstrate how the strengths and synergies of the sister-city relationship can assist businesses in exploring opportunities for new partnerships in trade and investment.

“The grant program demonstrates the City of Sydney’s commitment to the important relationship with Guangzhou and its commitment to supporting the growth of local businesses with China,” said James Hudson, chief executive of the NSW Branch of the Australia China Business Council.

“The Australia China Business Council looks forward to working with the City of Sydney, Guangzhou and the business communities in both cities to ensure businesses benefit from this important relationship.”

University of Sydney

The University of Sydney, University of Technology Sydney and University of NSW will collaborate on a one-day symposium on sustainability, renewable energy, water and infrastructure. The program will include keynote addresses from government representatives, seminars and business matching activities.

The City will provide $40,000 towards producing the symposium, which aims to showcase Sydney’s strengths in research and sustainability. It is hoped the project will also establish dialogue with industry and government stakeholders in Guangzhou to generate new research, training and technology transfer outcomes for Sydney.

“Guangzhou and Sydney have a successful, prospering relationship in the areas of culture, economy and education,” said Kerry Brown, the executive director of the China Studies Centre at the University Of Sydney.

“People-to-people links are the heart of this. From students to business people and cultural visits, the two cities are engaging with and understanding each other more profoundly and this project will add value to that process.”

Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO)

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra is a leader of excellence in orchestral music and Australia’s premier cultural and music education institution.

The City will provide a $40,000 cash sponsorship that will enable the orchestra to produce a musical program incorporating a concert performance at the opening or closing of the program and a one-day music program training young musicians at the Xhinghai Conservatory of Music in Gunangzhou.

Asian Australian Artists Association Inc (AAAAI)

Also known as 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art, this association is a highly respected organisation within the arts and cultural sectors across Asia.

A $20,000 sponsorship from the City will enable 4A to join with Observation Society Guangzhou on an arts project that reflects on the trade and migration links between the sister cities.

University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

UTS will join with University of Sydney, University of NSW, Macquarie University, University of Western Sydney and the Australian Catholic University to deliver an alumni event for graduates.

This will be the first alumni event of its kind to be held in Guangzhou and will showcase Sydney as a fast growing international education gateway. It aims to further develop meaningful, long-term networks between Guangzhou and Sydney and encourage the exchange of knowledge and ideas.

The City will support the event with a $10,000 cash sponsorship.

The City is also planning events in Sydney during the Chinese New Year Festival to mark the 30th anniversary of Sydney’s sister-city relationship with Guangzhou. Details will be announced in the coming months.


For more information visit City of Sydney