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INNOVATIVE: Elisa Bu (second from left), Kristina Roberts (third from left) and Chris Cowley (third from right) with staff at the greenhouse demonstration.
THURSDAY JULY 26
Our morning started with a 9am meeting with Austrade in Qingdao where we shared details on Whyalla and our strategic view going forward.
We emphasised that we are looking to diversify our economy and we are investment ready.
The meeting with Austrade finished at 10.30am and we then traveled about 30 minutes to meet with a company that has already expressed an interest in investing in Whyalla.
The company in question specialises in solar power generation combined with intensive horticulture.
We spent most of the day inspecting examples of their solar technology and seeing first hand how they have combined solar technology and horticulture to produce positive employment outcomes for their communities.
This company is in the process of lodging a development application with Council for the construction of a solar power/horticultural facility in Whyalla. This project has the potential to employ up to 40 people once up and running.
Following our visit to meet face to face and demonstrate how committed we are to this project, the company has initiated that they are interested in building a much larger project in Whyalla again using solar combined with intensive horticulture which could potentially employ up to an additional 100 people.
This is an amazing opportunity for Whyalla, that we will do everything in our power to bring to fruition.
"This company is in the process of lodging a development application with Council for the construction of a solar power/horticultural facility in Whyalla"
The same company hosted us for dinner in the evening, where we took to opportunity to further develop our friendship and consolidate our relationship going forward.
One of the key things we have learnt from this trip is that Chinese companies strongly value and require the development of a relationship prior to investment considerations.
Tomorrow (Friday, July 27) at 9am, Austrade have arranged a number of meetings with companies that have an interest in investing in Australia. We will meet with them and ascertain whether there are any investment opportunities for Whyalla.
Council CEO Chris Cowley, Director of City Growth Kristina Roberts and Tourism and Economic Development Manger Elisa Bu are in China to pursue more business opportunities, industries and jobs for the City of Whyalla.
SOLAR POWER: An example of the high-grade being grown in the combined solar concept.
MORE STORIES ON THE CHINA BUSINESS MISSION
http://www.whyalla.sa.gov.au/page.aspx?u=182&c=63940
http://www.whyalla.sa.gov.au/page.aspx?u=182&c=63910