Mayor Val Schier has joined Advance Cairns on a Chinese trade mission in an effort to maintain business connections and strengthen trade relationships.

The trade mission has been planned to coincide with the China International Small and Medium Enterprise Fair (CISMEF) held in Guangzhou between 14 and 18 September.

Mayor Val Schier said Advance Cairns has organised the trade mission to coincide with the fair to give maximum exposure to the Cairns region and identify opportunities for business.

“China is a key export development market for Cairns that will diversify and strengthen the local economy as the market increases,” Cr Schier said.

“Cairns will have a strong presence at the CISMEF to give tour operators and prospective investors an in-depth view of what we have to offer.”

A number of Councils from the Sunshine and Gold Coasts and Brisbane will also have a presence at the CISMEF. The trade mission delegation will travel to Hong Kong, Zhanjiang, Guangzhou, and Zhuhai. 

The Mayor will meet with her Chinese government counterparts in Zhuhai one of China’s fastest growing tourist centres and Cairns Sister City Zhanjiang.

Mission delegates represent the research, education and training sector, one of the main target sectors of Council’s economic development plan.

While the Mayor is part of the Advance Cairns contingent, the Cairns Regional Council assured The Newsport the trade mission would promote the entire region, not the city alone.