Getting on China's radar

Chinese will be targeted to visit, work, live and invest in the Mid West, under a bilingual website promoting the region.

The City of Greater Geraldton said the region would have an “open door” to China when the website is launched early next year.

The Mid West China Connect website will be administered by the City.

Mayor Ian Carpenter said the new venture would open doors between China and the Mid West.

“Ultimately, we want to put the Mid West and Geraldton into the direct searching radar of China — the biggest trading partner of the nation and the state,” he said.

The website would enable businesses in the Mid West and China to have listings posted in English and Mandarin for free.

Listings could include a description of services, contact details, products, services details, images, video clips and maps.

Mr Carpenter said he urged businesses to grab the opportunity to take advantage of the potential the new website could generate.

The City described the website as a two-way business portal to stimulate investment.

It would provide bilingual information on how to do business, connect businesses, and promote the region’s resources, industry, lifestyle and tourism attractions.

“We have been working on fostering this relationship for many years and this is just another progression in our already great connection,” Mr Carpenter said.

The website will be funded with $43,500 through the State Government’s Royalties for Regions Mid West Regional Grants Scheme and $10,000 from the City.

Mid West Development Commission chairman Murray Criddle said the website would be beneficial for the region’s industries.

It would provide an opportunity to further develop industry and cultural ties.

“It’s a great opportunity to develop resources, industry — and for tourism it will be very important,” he said.

“It will reduce the barriers of language and culture and will assist trade, providing ready access and a real opportunity for business to connect.”

Mr Criddle said there was growing trade with China in Mid West agriculture, particularly in the rock lobster fishing industry, with China accounting for 90 per cent of the buying market.

“There is big interest from Chinese investors in the Mid West, right across the board,” he said.

The City expects the website to be operational by March next year.

Further information on how businesses can list on the website will be provided closer to the launch date.