Business office aids Chinese links

Membership of the Bunbury-Jiaxing Business Office will give South West businesses more involvement in the organisation.

The office was established in 2008 to help the region's businesses create links with China and has been instrumental in forging new sister city relationships between the South West and China, often playing a key role in official visits by delegations.

Bunbury-Jiaxing Business Office liaison officer Edwin Zhuang said the new arrangement would allow people to nominate and vote people to the committee of management.

"By opening up our membership, we anticipate more people will be encouraged to have a say about our activities and direction, and be in the know about opportunities which may benefit their organisation," he said.

With a view to act as the "gateway for business between China and the South West of Western Australia", the office supports business, investment, education, and tourism activities and initiatives between both parties.

The Bunbury-Jiaxing Business Office is supervised by a committee comprising members of the South West Development Commission, Bunbury City Council, Bunbury Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Bunbury Wellington Economic Alliance, Edith Cowan University South West Campus, Regional Development Australia - South West, and Bunbury business representatives.

The office is working with the Bunbury Chamber of Commerce and Industries to give businesses the opportunity to take part in a delegation to China.