12 October
2006 - On the eve of the Australian Government’s
largest ever renewable energy business mission
to China, Minister for the Environment and Heritage,
Senator Ian Campbell, and Chinese Ambassador to
Australia, Madame Fu Ying, today launched a new
guide for renewable energy businesses looking
to do business with China.
Senator Campbell said the Pursuing
Renewable Energy Business with China guide would
help Australian firms develop renewable energy
business opportunities in China.
“Differences in language, business
culture, legal systems, and internal administrative
arrangements, combined with the sheer size of
China can be daunting,” Senator Campbell said.
“This guide helps explain these
differences so that both Australian and Chinese
firms are better equipped to build strong, lasting
and mutually beneficial business relationships.
“The Australian and Chinese
governments have an excellent relationship and
spirit of cooperation on climate change and it’s
important we get the business relationships right
too.
“To help develop these relationships,
I’ll be accompanied by 58 members of Australian
industry when I lead Australia’s largest ever
renewable energy and energy efficiency business
mission to China next week.”
Renewable Energy and Energy
Efficiency Business Mission to China
Senator Campbell said the business
mission would benefit both countries and was another
example of the Australian Government’s practical
international action on climate change.
“Australian renewable energy
technologies are the perfect fit for a large,
energy hungry Chinese market looking to supply
power to 1.3 billion people.
“Renewable energy will play
an increasing role in China. As set out in its
new Renewable Energy Law, China’s goal is to increase
renewable energy to 15 per cent of its total energy
supply by 2020.
“Total grid-connected wind power
capacity in China was less than 1GW in 2004 and
is expected to grow to 30GW by 2020 – this would
be more than enough power for the equivalent of
every home in Australia and New Zealand.
“By matching Australia’s expertise in renewable
energy with China’s rapidly growing demand for
energy, we can benefit the environment, help China
meet its growing energy needs, and generate profits
for Australian businesses,” he said.
“Like any commodity, the way
to bring down the price is by achieving economies-of-scale.
Helping Australian companies to tap into the Chinese
market will help achieve this.
“During the mission, I will
discuss with the Vice Chairman of the National
Development and Reform Commission, Jiang Weixin,
the next round of projects we will undertake as
part of our bilateral climate change partnership.
All of the suggested projects will help both countries
and will extend Australia’s programme of practical
international cooperation on climate change.”
While in China, Senator Campbell
will also attend the high level segment of an
international conference on the protection of
the marine environment from land-based activities.
For more information, to check the Minister’s
media schedule in China, or to download the latest
photos, visit www.greenhouse.gov.au/international/china.
Rob Broadfield
