Regional Development Australia Central Coast (RDACC), together with its project partners, has today proudly hosted the 27th NSW-Guangdong Joint Economic Meeting regional visit to the Central Coast.

Regarded as the most significant trade and investment initiative between NSW and China in 2019, the Sister State relationship between NSW and Guangdong facilitates mutually beneficial economic and trade opportunities for both areas.

RDACC Director Regional Development and Chief Executive Officer, John Mouland, said including the Central Coast in the itinerary of this visit was a critical step for our region.

“Today we have been proud to showcase some of the best assets the Central Coast has to offer to this important international audience,” Mr Mouland said.

“Being a part of this crucial economic initiative has given us the opportunity to highlight the work being done as a part of the Central Coast Food Innovation Region initiative — a critical economic development project designed to leverage our existing regional strengths, and realise economic benefit by growing and innovating our local food, beverage and agricultural industry.

“To allow this international delegation to experience first-hand some of our most unique and iconic hospitality venues, local agricultural industry and best practice research centres supports our overarching aims to grow jobs, build regional business competitiveness, develop export opportunities and encourage national and international trade through innovation, education and research.

“In terms of international export, trade and investment opportunities for our local agricultural, food production and hospitality sector, this visit has really put the Central Coast on the map!’’

The 27th NSW-Guangdong Joint Economic Meeting coincides with the 40th anniversary of the NSW-Guandong Sister State relationship and offers a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, information sharing, strengthening cultural ties and instigating economic opportunity.

“I recently had the privilege to travel as part of a government delegation to Guangzhou, and was exceptionally impressed with the level of innovation, agility and resourcefulness that I witnessed, across all government, education and business sectors within Guangdong,” added Mr Mouland.

“During our short visit to Guangzhou we forged many valuable relationships, which we are now keen on further developing to build on our existing trade and investment successes. We’re also seeking to identify new opportunities that are aligned to our region’s competitive advantages and China’s emerging demand.

“These experiences are invaluable for all parties involved, especially in terms of knowledge exchange, expertise sharing and the joint discovery of unique and innovative solutions to address both of our states’ current and emerging food and agricultural opportunities and challenges.

“Today’s visit has only served to strengthen these relationships and we look forward to continuing to explore the opportunities created as a result of our emerging international ties.”

RDACC has extended its appreciation to its project partners in hosting this important event.

Project partners for the 27th NSW-Guangdong Joint Economic Meeting regional visit to the Central Coast include: Central Coast Industry Connect (CCIC), Central Coast Business Chamber, the University of Newcastle including the Newcastle Institute of Energy & Resources (NIER), Central Coast Council and the NSW Government.