9 November 2005
Using 'cheap' Chinese labour is crucial for Australia to profit from the pending Australia-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a leading Chinese academic will tell a conference starting tomorrow, Thursday 10 November.
The dean of the School of Business at China's Nanjing University, Professor Shumin Zhao, said Australia could look to the future by advancing its key agricultural export industries -- such as wool -- within China's lucrative market.
"Increased market-access via the Australia-China FTA would allow Australian firms to cash-in on the rapid growth in consumer demand in China," Professor Shumin said.
"Australia 's unique position in the Asia-Pacific region and the opportunities offered by the FTA would enable Australia to become a fierce trading nation in the region."
Professor Shumin, along with Professor Klaus Meyer, a leading academic from the Copenhagen Business School, will be the keynote speakers at the Australia and New Zealand International Business Academy Conference (ANZIBA). The conference is being hosted by Monash University's Department of Management and Asian Business and Economics Research Unit.
Conference convenor Professor Chris Nyland said more than 50 international business specialists would meet to discuss the role of multinationals; international management and industrial relations; the impact of the World Trade Organisation; and growth options, including joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions and alliances.
"Local business representatives are expected to attend some of the key sessions, along with the international academic community," Professor Nyland said.
What: Australia and New Zealand International Business Academy Conference
When: Thursday 10 November and Friday 11 November, 9 am to 5 pm
Where: Langham Hotel, One Southgate Ave, Southbank, Melbourne
Program:
http://www.monash.edu. au/cmo/anziba05/program.html
For further information and press passes contact Mr Max Coulthard on +61 3 9904 4261 or Ms Natasha Whalley, Media Communications on +61 3 9905 9201 or 0437 458 457.
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