Ten businesses from the Latrobe Valley and broader Gippsland area recently met face-to-face with some of China’s biggest companies as part of a trade mission that will help them to break into new markets in China, and potentially around the world.
The Gippsland companies, which represented Victoria’s food and fibre, engineering and professional services sectors, joined 33 other companies from Victoria who presented at SIAL China – Asia’s largest food innovation exhibition.
Some of the companies visiting China, including STR Inspection Services and Optec Pty Ltd, were identified through the Hazelwood Supply Chain Transition Program as businesses that would benefit from exposure to new international markets.
A highlight of the mission was a visit to the headquarters of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, where delegates met with executives in a bid to promote more Victorian products on the successful Tmall and Taobao platforms, which provide opportunities for businesses to sell products and services in China simply and without overheads.
During the Alibaba tour, delegates had the chance to speak in person with executives from the multi-billion dollar company and see how operations are run on the ground.
STR Inspection Services, Optec Pty Ltd, Tabro Meats Pty Ltd, Pure Harvest and Alpine Trout Farm have indicated favourable outcomes from the trade mission, and Traralgon-based company, Image Direct are now exploring opportunities on the Alibaba e-commerce platforms.