Honourable Leaders of the Shanghai Municipal Government,

Director Liu Qing of the National Innovation Center par Excellence ,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to extend, on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Australia, our warmest congratulations on the convening of the China-Australia Innovation Week 2026 and the Second China-Australia Innovation Forum, and our sincere gratitude to all those from various sectors in both nations who have long been committed to advancing science, technology and innovation exchanges and cooperation between China and Australia.

Amid the deepening technological revolution and industrial transformation and an accelerating transition towards green, digital, and intelligent development, science, technology and innovation have become key drivers of economic growth and industrial upgrading. In response to global challenges such as climate change, public health, and energy security, the world has reached a broad consensus that it is imperative to promote open cooperation, deepen innovation exchanges, and explore common technological solutions.

China and Australia are important partners to each other, with a sound foundation and broad prospects for cooperation in areas like technological innovation, industrial transformation, and green development. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the leaders from both countries, the China-Australia relations have seen improvement and development, with exchanges and cooperation across various fields being resumed and expanded. Research institutions, universities, enterprises, and other innovators from our two countries have been deepening practical collaboration, playing a positive role in promoting the economic and social development and enhancing the well-being of our peoples.

Last year, with the joint efforts of the Embassy of China in Australia and the National Innovation Center par Excellence (NICE), the inaugural China-Australia Innovation Forum was successfully held in Sydney, establishing an important platform connecting the research entities, businesses, and markets of our two countries, and delivering positive outcomes. This year’s Innovation Week and Innovation Forum, to be held in Shanghai, will create new opportunities for both sides to expand practical cooperation. I hope that participants from both sides will take this as an opportunity to further deepen exchanges and cooperation in areas such as green and low-carbon development, life sciences and health, and the digital economy, strengthen the alignment of innovation and industrial chains, and continuously advance the commercialization and application of research outcomes, as well as the sharing of innovation resources, thereby opening up broader prospects for practical cooperation in innovation between the two countries. The Embassy of China in Australia will continue, as always, to offer support and assistance.

China has always championed and practiced the principles of open, fair, equitable, and non-discriminatory international cooperation, working actively to build an open and inclusive global science and technology community. We are ready to work with the Australian side to consistently deepen cooperation in science, technology and innovation by adhering to the principles of mutual respect and mutual benefit. Together, we can foster new drivers for innovation and development, and continuously contribute positive substance to the stable and healthy development of our comprehensive strategic partnership.

I wish the event a complete success!