Opportunities will grow in the environmental protection and energy efficiency space for Australian exporters as China looks to go greener, according to Chinese deputy consul general Anlin Sun.
Speaking at a Rotary Club of Perth lunch today, Ms Sun said the Chinese government hoped to have more Australian companies in that space.
“China will be speeding up the building of a resource conserving and environmentally friendly society,” she said.
“Experts estimate the relevant investment at near $US50 billion.”
Ms Sun said China would be accelerating the development of the green economy and taking steps to reduce pollution.
The national government has previously signalled environmental policy as a key priority, for example by shutting down older, dirtier manufacturing capacity.
Two related transport developments showed China’s innovation capabilities, Ms Sub said.
One was the roll-out of a high-speed rail network, which she said was the largest in the world.
About 20,000 kilometres of high-speed track has been laid in China.
That is expected to more than double to be 45,000km by the end of next decade, according to Ms Sun.
High-speed rail use for intercity travel can be much more energy efficient than flying.
The other notable transport innovation was the rise of on-demand cycling, she said, which also helped reduce pollution.
Growth
Ms Sun said the Chinese economy was becoming a more mature market.
There would be more openness, more transparency and more stability, she said.
Regulations governing foreign investors had been loosened, Ms Sun said.
Moving forward, the Chinese economy would be much more driven by consumption, with about $8 trillion of imports expected in the next five years.
That would provide opportunities for other Western Australian industries, such as agribusiness, Ms Sun said.
