Exporting to China under Rudd's leadership

Under Kevin Rudd’s leadership, trade with China will open up exciting opportunities for Australian businesses. But you will still need to do your homework to make the right connections.

Rudd brings a level of expertise to engagement with China that is unmatched by any previous Australian leader. He has not only strong connections with China but a personal affinity with and love of the country. And he has long had an eye on China.

He is quoted as saying that as a 15-year-old he watched Gough Whitlam on television on his triumphal return from Beijing and found it interesting enough to write to Whitlam saying he wanted to become an Australian diplomat. He embraced the study of China, achieving First Class Honours in Arts (Asian Studies) at ANU, majoring in Chinese language and history. His ability to speak Mandarin effortlessly—he can even deliver word puns in the language—is a strong attribute for a new leader at a time when China is emerging as an economic, political, and military superpower.

A love of China extends to his family: his daughter recently married a young man in Australia’s Chinese community, his oldest son has studied at Shanghai's Fundan University, and his youngest son is learning Chinese.

His strong connection with China goes beyond a love of the country, an academic degree, and a language skill. He spent the late 80s with the Department of Foreign Affairs in Beijing, reporting on Chinese politics, mastering the language and creating ties that are relevant today. During the early 90s, as director-general of the Office of Cabinet in Queensland, Rudd was influential in developing an Asian languages and cultures program for Australian schools. Before entering Parliament in 1998, he was senior consultant on China trade and commerce for KPMG Australia.

Rudd’s extensive knowledge of China, and of trade and commerce in the area, ideally positions him to represent our trade interests in a region that is becoming increasingly important to our country’s trade potential.

His Chinese linguistic ability stands him in good stead in engaging with the Chinese nation, and whenever he does, he leaves a lasting impression, an important characteristic of a nation’s leader. Australian businesses should reap the benefits of Rudd’s strong Chinese connection.

Trade Opportunities

Labor’s proposed trade policies have been developed to meet the needs and challenges that exporters face today, not only in our traditionally strong exporting sectors but also for small and medium businesses and other non-traditional business sectors. Its plans take into account the growing opportunities for the services and financial services sectors and for taking maximum advantage of the ongoing resources boom.

To help boost Australia’s exports, the Rudd Labor Government will invest $50 million into ‘Exports Australia’, a plan to drive export growth across the whole economy. Aspects of the plan include:

1. An Exports Policy and Programs Review, which will develop a policy and program mix enabling exporters to take maximum advantage of the ongoing resources boom and to develop our full export potential in other sectors.

2. The Export Market Development Grants scheme being revitalised and having funding increased by $50 million in 2009-10.

3. Austrade being revitalised and restructured, and having its own business advisory group to provide better service for exporters.

4. The services sector being assisted to expand its export base.

5. Taxation and marketing arrangements being improved within the financial services exports sector.

6. A Clean Energy Export Strategy to make Australia a hub for the export of clean energy technology.

7. A refocus on Australian trade policy to achieve better outcomes for Australian businesses and the Australian economy.