Yesterday’s announcement by the Prime Minister’s of an Australia Week in China may prove far more successful than the G’day USA events the idea is based upon.
G’day USA has been run for a decade and showcases Australia’s attractions, skills and businesses at events in Los Angeles and New York.
It’s been moderately successful but an emphasis on movie stars appearing at black tie Hollywood events illustrates Australian governments’ disproportionate focus in throwing money at US movie producers.
If China Week follows the US example we can expect private, exclusive dinners where Twiggy Forrest, Clive Palmer and the BHP board entertain Chinese plutocrats over bowls of shark fin soup and braised tigers’ testicles.
Should China Week follow that model then it will probably share G’day USA’s middling successes.
The opportunity to do it differently though is great as the Chinese-Australian relationship is far younger and hasn’t been locked into Crocodile Dundee type stereotypes on both sides.
As the Chinese economy matures and evolves, there’s an opportunity for Australian businesses and industries which haven’t been available for exporters to the US.
Done properly, G’day China could help the profile of Australian businesses in many sectors, particularly in those affected by the great Chinese rebalancing.
Let’s hope they do it properly.
Image of the Chinese embassy in Canberra, Australia from Alpha on Wikimedia