The China (Shenzhen)-Australia Trade and Economic Exchange was held in Qianhai from September 11 to 13, highlighting the Greater Bay Area's growing connectivity with Australia as Shenzhen prepares to host APEC-related activities. The event was hosted by the Qianhai local government, the Australian Consulate-General in Guangzhou and the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, and comprised a business exchange and a public market.
A key outcome was a memorandum of understanding between the Qianhai International Exchange and Cooperation Platform and CPA Australia, one of the world's largest professional accounting bodies. Qianhai, often described as a "special zone within a special zone," offers tax incentives, subsidies and talent policies. CPA Australia's qualifications are recognized under Qianhai's professional talent program, opening opportunities in accounting, tax, compliance and financial services as more Chinese companies expand globally.
Trade and investment links remain robust. Two-way trade between China and Australia exceeds 326 billion Australian dollars ($232 billion), and China remains the largest market for Australian quality products.
Queensland, which has had sister-city ties with Shenzhen through Brisbane since 1992, brought 18 companies to the event, covering beef, health products, skincare, snacks, beverages, universities and clinical trial institutions.
Queensland representatives said the state also welcomes Greater Bay Area investment in renewable energy, agriculture, education, biotechnology and healthcare as it pursues net-zero emissions by 2050.
People-to-people exchanges and tourism ties are expanding. More than 130 flights a week now connect China with Australian gateway cities, including Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. Australian tourism authorities note growing demand from Greater Bay Area travelers for personalized, experience-rich trips and are preparing for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
APEC-themed exhibitions in Shenzhen in November will showcase the human stories behind two centuries of Chinese migration to Australia, the Australian Consulate-General in Guangzhou said.
Qianhai's service economy continues to strengthen. In the first half of 2026, the value added in its service sector reached 134.55 billion yuan ($20 billion), accounting for 80.2 percent of GDP, while modern services made up 86.6 percent of the sector. Looking ahead, Qianhai will expand two-way trade, import Australian agri-food, consumer and green energy products, and support Greater Bay Area firms in the Australian market.
Reporter | Cai Minling
Photos | Shenzhen Qianhai
Yang Xinzhuo (intern) also contributed to the story.
