Talk to an expert in Greater China
We can help establish or grow your international business in NSW, or to export products from NSW to customers in China.
Key contact
Helen Sawczak
Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner – Greater China
Helen Sawczak is the Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner for Greater China. She is the most senior representative of the NSW Government in China and leads the China network including staff in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Taipei and Hong Kong. Helen helps NSW businesses access the Chinese consumer market, and promotes international education, tourism and investment into NSW.
Helen started her career as a corporate lawyer at international law firms in Australia and overseas. In Australia, Helen worked in the China practice of MinterEllison, and then moved to Moscow and Kazakhstan to work for Clifford Chance.
After returning to Australia, Helen worked as in-house counsel with Alcoa and Telstra, and then moved into executive-management roles at Australia Post and ANZ Bank before being appointed as National CEO of the Australia China Business Council. Helen studied Mandarin throughout her secondary and tertiary education, which included long-term study trips to Nanjing University and Fudan University in Shanghai.
Helen is a Director of AustCham China in Beijing. Helen is also a passionate advocate of gender and cultural diversity and acts as a mentor.
Contact us
Shanghai office
Address
Investment NSW
Suite 4303, Level 43, CITIC Square 1168 Nanjing West Road
Shanghai 200041 China
Guangzhou office
Address
Investment NSW
Unit A2, Level 10, Guangzhou Development Centre, 3 Linjiang Avenue
Pearl River New Town, Guangzhou 510623
China
Hong Kong office
Address
Austrade, Australian Consulate General
Suite 2404, 24th Floor, Harbour Centre
25 Harbour Road Wan Chai
Hong Kong
Taipei, Taiwan office
Address
Austrade, Australia Office
President International Tower
27th Floor, 9 Song Gao Road
Taipei 110
Taiwan
Key facts
China is NSW’s largest trading partner. In 2022 bilateral trade between these markets hit $54 billion, including $5.5 billion in exports.
China is Australia’s largest source of international students. These students generated $4.2 billion in 2022, and nearly half studied in NSW.
NSW’s relationship with China is supported by formal agreements with Guangdong Province, and Beijing and Shanghai Municipalities. Every 2 years the NSW-Guangdong Sister State relationship is strengthened with a Joint Economic Meeting.
Opportunities
China is the world’s second largest global economy and is projected to grow by more than 5%. This will create more opportunities for NSW’s infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, energy and education businesses.
NSW is Australia's top economic performer. Located on Australia's east coast, it is perfectly positioned as a gateway to the Asia Pacific region and a prime destination for investors in priority sectors. This includes clean economy, modern manufacturing and health and life sciences.
In 2022 China was also Australia’s fourth largest source of Foreign Investment Review Board approved investment.
Export opportunities from NSW
NSW's consumer products, including premium food and beverages, are known for their quality and safety. This means demand from China will remain high.
Under the China Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) nearly all NSW goods exported to China can enter duty free. This offers a competitive advantage for NSW exporters.
ChAFTA also increases access to China for NSW service providers in industries such as education and tourism. The agreement also improves investment facilitation between Australia and China.
Last updated 12 July 2023