On 17 April 2010, the Chairs and representatives of the Beijing,
Hong Kong and Macau, Shanghai and South China Chambers of Commerce
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore the creation
of a single AustCham Greater China identity.
This MOU records the Chambers' agreement on the ultimate objectives
of the AustCham Greater China initiative, which was first announced
by the Chairmen at the AustCham Australia-China Business Awards in
Beijing on 3 December 2009.
In the MOU, the Chambers agree to establish a committee with the
purpose to identify and progress ways in which they may co-operate
more closely in order to advance the interests of their
members.
The MOU signing was witnessed by the Australian Ambassador to
China, Dr Geoff Raby, and signatories included: Chairman of The
China-Australia Chamber of Commerce in Beijing (AustCham Beijing),
Mr Roger Wolfe; Deputy Chairman of the Australian Chamber of
Commerce in Hong Kong and Macau (AustCham Hong Kong & Macau),
Mr Andrew Steadson; Chair of the Australian Chamber of Commerce,
Shanghai (AustCham Shanghai), Mr Stephen White; and Chairman of the
Australian Chamber of Commerce - South China, Mr Alfred
Leong.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairs, Mr Roger Wolfe, Chairman of The
China-Australia Chamber of Commerce in Beijing, commented: "This is
about evolution, not revolution. As individual Chambers we are all
fully focused on strengthening Australia-China business, government
and community relationships while promoting Australian business and
the interests of our memberships. It makes sense to explore the
benefits that might result from the establishment of a combined
identity, which could enhance the value we bring to the memberships
of our individual participating Chambers".
A working committee has been now been established, consisting of
two members from each Chamber who will report back to their
respective boards.
It should be noted that the creation of a Greater China AustCham
identity would not impact on the existence of AustCham Shanghai nor
your relationship with it.