Perth, Australia — Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the mutual benefits of building competitive new energy industrial and supply chains between China and Australia during his visit to Perth on Tuesday. Accompanied by Australian Minister for Resources Madeleine King and Premier of Western Australia Roger Cook, Premier Li toured Tianqi Lithium Kwinana Pty Ltd and Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) along with its subsidiary Fortescue Future Industries (FFI).
Premier Li highlighted the complementary advantages of the Chinese mainland and Australia in the new energy sector. “China’s new energy vehicle and lithium battery industries possess advanced technical expertise, while Australia is rich in lithium and other critical minerals,” he said. “By leveraging these strengths, we can build industrial and supply chains that are competitive and mutually beneficial, serving the low-carbon development of both our countries and contributing to the global green transition.”
At Tianqi Lithium, Premier Li expressed his hope that the company would continue to contribute to the local community and improve local livelihoods. He also encouraged Australia to maintain a favorable business environment for enterprises from the Chinese mainland to invest and operate, fostering deeper economic ties.
During his visit to Fortescue Future Industries, Premier Li was introduced to the group’s initiatives in green energy, including a hydrogen-powered haul truck, a liquid hydrogen mobile refueler, and a cell electric locomotive. He praised Fortescue’s active transformation into a green energy and resources company, noting its alignment with China’s commitment to developing green industries. “Green and low-carbon transition has become a major trend in global economic development,” he stated. “I hope Fortescue will play an active role in China-Australia green development cooperation.”
Premier Li reaffirmed China’s dedication to high-level opening-up and expanding market access. “We will continue to create a market-oriented and internationalized business environment based on the rule of law,” he said. “Enterprises from Australia and other countries are welcome to invest and operate in the Chinese mainland. We invite more Australian enterprises to take root in China and promote the continuous development of China-Australia relations.”
In a meeting with Premier Roger Cook, Premier Li acknowledged the strong economic complementarity and high-level cooperation between the Chinese mainland and Western Australia. “Our cooperation in energy and mineral resources, agriculture and husbandry, green and low-carbon industries, and technological innovation has been exemplary,” he remarked. “I hope Western Australia will deepen and expand this cooperation and continue to provide a good business environment for enterprises from the Chinese mainland.”
Premier Cook expressed pride in Western Australia’s outstanding cooperation with the Chinese mainland. “We are willing to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, establish more direct flights, and promote bilateral cooperation to achieve more fruitful results,” he said.
The visit underscores the ongoing efforts by both nations to enhance economic collaboration, particularly in sectors pivotal to global sustainability and green energy transition.
(With input from Xinhua)
Reference(s):
Li Qiang: China, Australia can build competitive new energy chains
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