WA Mining Club Luncheon - Kobus van der Wath, The Beijing Axis

China’s Transformation and ‘New’ Strategic Imperatives for Australian Firms

Kobus van der Wath

Managing Director
The Beijing Axis

• China Now – End of the Beginning
• China and the Global Resources Industry
• China and Australia with specific reference to WA
• Strategic Imperatives for Australian Boardrooms

As China’s economic slowdown continues to be a hot topic amongst China watchers, analysts and business executives, it is important to remember that its story has never been one-dimensional.

Its growth trajectory may be changing but China’s standing in and impact on the world economy remain strong, as is its relevance to Australia. The beginning of 2015 has already seen significant bilateral developments in the agriculture, air services and property sectors. With the milestone achievement of the Australia-China FTA last year, one can certainly expect an expansion and a shift in the strategic relationship between these two countries.

The resources sector has already felt the impact of China’s slowdown in terms of plunging commodity prices and mass layoffs; however, it is also clear that in this new, post-mining boom era, new opportunities and strategic imperatives can be found and leveraged. As China welcomes the Year of the Goat, Australian firms – including resource companies – need to re-examine their business strategies and operations, and see how they are able to utilise China’s transformation to their benefit.