Page 1322 - Week 04 - Thursday, 8 May 2014
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Another important aspect of this trip is strengthening strategic relationships with businesses in China. I held meetings with the renewable energy company Zhenfa new energy, Huawei Technologies and China state rail. These meetings were an opportunity to discuss some of the ACT’s major projects, including renewable energy, digital Canberra initiatives, and light rail.
During this visit, I was pleased to continue building on the positive outcomes of the education mission to China in September 2013 with the vice-chancellors of ANU and UC. There are many benefits for overseas students studying here in the ACT’s world-class tertiary and research institutions, including Canberra’s beauty, amenity and safety. Canberra is also an attractive option for researchers and academics looking to do short-term programs and exchanges.
The vice-chancellor of the ANU and I met with Fudan University on this trip and heard they would like to offer every one of their students an exchange opportunity by 2020, as well as provide opportunities for staff to spend time abroad. I signed an MOU with Shanghai Normal University to foster new and mutually beneficial relationships between ACT government schools and Shanghai Normal University and their 17 affiliated university schools. The MOU is in a framework for students and teachers from Canberra and China to share information, experience and understanding of language and culture.
Another key outcome of this visit was the establishment of a scholarship in partnership with Canberra business Yellow Edge. This scholarship will provide the opportunity for three Canberrans to take part in the global leadership practice program at the prestigious China Executive Leadership Academy in Pudong, CELAP.
Supporting the ACT’s business, education and tourism sectors—particularly in fast-growing international markets—is a key part of broadening Canberra’s economic base and supporting new sources of growth and employment. As the epicentre of Asia’s remarkable economic growth, China is a key component of this objective, and through this short but productive visit we have been able to progress important new opportunities for the ACT.
Financial Management Act—instruments
Papers and statement by minister
MR BARR (Molonglo—Deputy Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Sport and Recreation, Minister for Tourism and Events and Minister for Community Services): For the information of members, I present the following papers:
Financial Management Act, pursuant to section 18A—Authorisations of Expenditure from the Treasurer’s Advance, including statements of reasons to:
Canberra Institute of Technology, dated 24 April 2014.
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