Fed: Chinese Premier Wen meets NSW Premier Iemma

AAP General News (Australia)
04-04-2006
Fed: Chinese Premier Wen meets NSW Premier Iemma

SYDNEY, April 4 AAP - China's Premier Wen Jiabao has held talks with NSW Premier Morris
Iemma as part of moves to strengthen and broaden the state's relations with the Asian
giant.

Mr Wen arrived in Sydney just before 9am (AEST) today, where he was greeted by Mr Iemma
for the last official engagement of his four-day visit to Australia.

Yesterday, Mr Wen signed agreements with Prime Minister John Howard, paving the way
for contentious sales of Australian uranium to China.

After his private talks with Mr Iemma at Kingsford-Smith Airport, Mr Wen was whisked
away in a convoy of commonwealth cars, accompanied by a police escort.

Mr Iemma said today's talks were significant in continuing NSW's valuable relationship
with China.

"NSW greatly values our relationship with China and our mutual trade, investment and
cultural links," Mr Iemma said.

"Our discussions will further enhance our longstanding friendship."

Members of the NSW government will hold further talks with representative from the
Chinese province of Guangdong at a biennial Joint Economic Meeting in Sydney later this
year.

The forum - between the two sister states - was first established in 1982 to allow
for regular dialogue on reciprocal commercial opportunities.

Mr Iemma said the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 would offer significant opportunities
for local businesses, especially following Sydney's success and experience at hosting
the 2000 Olympics.

"China's unprecedented growth presents a range of new business opportunities in diverse
markets such as biotechnology, education, tourism and sporting events," Mr Iemma said.

"Our ties will become closer in the lead-up to the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008."

A number of NSW businesses are already playing a part in the Games organisation, including
design of the athletes' village and development of the Olympics' initial master plan,
Mr Iemma said.

AAP nr/was/drp/nf

KEYWORD: CHINA NSW

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