New partnership to grow SME export opportunities with China

The Australia China SME Association (ACSME) and The Executive Connection(TEC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) bringing the two organisations together to support and grow business and export opportunities with China across Australia’s SME sector.

ACSME focuses on the development of business relationships between Australian and Chinese SMEs and assisting Australian businesses to develop their capabilities to export and source and raise capital from China. It does this through strategic partnerships, informational and educational forums, the facilitation of introductions, trade missions and other forms of support.

The Executive Connection is a member based organisation that provides workshops, mentoring, networking and support to CEOs, executives and business owners across Australia and New Zealand.

“China represents a huge market opportunity for Australian businesses however it has proven difficult for many businesses to penetrate for a range of reasons,” David Thomas, Founder and President of ACSME, said.

“ACSME is a platform dedicated to assisting Australian businesses, particularly SMEs, to develop the capability and confidence to do business in China and overcome challenges along the way.

“Business owners and executives in both Australia and China have a strong interest in cross-border investment, trade or business opportunities but are not sure where to start or how to prepare their business for the export potential…we are experienced in doing business with China and can help businesses to better understand and appreciate the complexities involved, undertake the necessary preparations and research, and develop a market entry strategy.”

Thomas said that the MOU will enable TEC’s members to be involved in ACSME’s activities in Australia and China, including:

  • Participating in a ground-breaking survey of Australian SMEs to understand the current levels of interest, success and challenges of doing business in China.
  • Participating in ACSME missions to China.
  • Meeting Chinese delegations hosted by ACSME in Australia.
  • Attending other ACSME events in China and Australia including ACSME’s regular monthly Roundtables in Sydney.
  • Collaborating with ACSME’s strategic partners in China such as the Guangdong SME Association, the Shenzhen SME Association, the Australia China Home and Building Materials Alliance.

“The MOU represents a significant step forward for Australian SMEs and the business community more broadly. The Executive Connection’s members are ideally placed as the CEOs of Australian mid sized companies (privately owned, profitable and successful across many industries) to become more engaged in the China opportunity for export, sourcing and capital raising. This means more opportunities for Australian businesses, more local jobs and more flow on benefits for our economy.

“ACSME’s ultimate goal is to see more Australian businesses benefiting from China’s growing market through export, investment and collaboration opportunities. This will benefit Australia and our future as a nation if we support more Australian SMEs to promote and sell their products and capabilities overseas,” Thomas added.