Jiading District Delegation Visits WACCC to Explore New Opportunities for Industry Collaboration
On 2 November 2026, a delegation from Jiading District, Shanghai, led by District Mayor Yuxiang Zhang, visited Perth and met with representatives of the Western Australian Chinese Chamber of Commerce (WACCC), local government and the Western Australian business community. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on strengthening trade and economic ties between Western Australia and Jiading, facilitating industry connections and exploring opportunities for broader international collaboration.
The meeting was attended by WACCC President Tony Chong, Senior Vice President Henry Habekost and CEO Louise Clunies-Ross, together with Chamber members and representatives from the local business community and related organisations. Lord Mayor of Perth Bruce Reynolds also attended and participated in the discussions.
Established in 1987, the Western Australian Chinese Chamber of Commerce (WACCC) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting trade, investment and cultural exchange between Western Australia, China and the wider Asian region. Over the years, the Chamber has actively connected governments, businesses and commercial organisations, bringing together business leaders from diverse industries and cultural backgrounds. Through its cross-industry and international business network, WACCC supports members in expanding into new markets, building commercial relationships and exploring international business opportunities.
Perth and Jiading Share Perspectives on Economic Development
During the meeting, Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds acknowledged WACCC’s contribution to local economic development and the promotion of a diverse and inclusive community. He highlighted Perth’s natural beauty, high quality of life and favorable business environment, noting the important role the Chinese community has long played in the city’s business, cultural and multicultural development. He also emphasized the strong trade and economic ties between Western Australia and China. The Lord Mayor expressed his hope for more regular and ongoing engagement with Jiading District and warmly welcomed Chinese businesses and visitors to Perth for investment, business and cultural exchange.
District Mayor Yuxiang Zhang provided an overview of Jiading District’s history, economic development and industrial strengths. With a history spanning more than 800 years, Jiading is a historic Jiangnan city that has developed into one of Shanghai’s important industrial and innovation centers. The district has established a well-developed automotive industry chain, with notable strengths in automotive research and development, vehicle manufacturing, component supply and intelligent connected vehicles. It also has a strong industrial foundation in integrated circuits and biomedicine, while actively developing emerging industries such as robotics and intelligent manufacturing.
Exploring New Opportunities for Industry Collaboration
During the discussions, both sides explored potential areas for collaboration based on their respective industrial strengths and development priorities. Jiading has a strong foundation in advanced manufacturing, industrial supply chains and technological innovation, while Western Australia offers complementary strengths in resource development, healthcare, research and innovation, and access to international markets. Both sides recognized the potential to further develop these complementary strengths through closer engagement between governments, chambers of commerce, businesses and research institutions. Such connections could help facilitate technology exchange, commercial partnerships and investment opportunities, while creating new pathways for businesses from both regions to expand into international markets.
WACCC President Tony Chong noted that Western Australia and Jiading share strong potential for complementary cooperation in areas including resource industries, advanced manufacturing, technological innovation and biomedicine. As the Chamber approaches its 40th anniversary, WACCC will continue to play an important role in connecting businesses and facilitating cross-border engagement. Through its annual major events, industry forums, policy discussions and business missions, the Chamber aims to help Australian and Chinese businesses strengthen connections with global supply chains and develop mutually beneficial partnerships.
Building Stronger Connections for Future Cooperation
Following the meeting, both sides exchanged commemorative gifts reflecting their respective local cultures and gathered for a group photograph. The visit further enhanced mutual understanding of each other’s economic environments and industrial strengths, while laying a foundation for deeper industry engagement in the future.
