Recently, Acting CG Eu-Niz and Deputy CG Ji-Soo from the Australian Consulate-General in Shenyang visited Australian company Downer EDI in Changchun, an outstanding example of fruitful cooperation between an Australian and local businesses.
Downer EDI is an ASX-listed international company in the infrastructure sector. Founded in the 19th century, its business spans across rail and bus, road services, utilities, energy facilities, mining, etc. It employs approximately 50,000 people across more than 300 sites globally.
Since establishing an office in Changchun in 2008, Downer EDI has been working closely with Northeast Chinese companies. On the basis of its long-term partnership with CRRC, supported by other local suppliers, it has produced over 1,000 passenger trains for Sydney. This includes both the Waratah Series and the latest Sydney Growth Series of trains which incorporate wi-fi and other technologies. Downer EDI and CRRC also help supply trams to Melbourne.
During our time in Changchun, we also visited two key suppliers for Downer EDI: Ginyo Transport Facilities, that provides seats for the trains, and Fuyao Group Changchun, that provided glass. Together with its local suppliers, Downer EDI not only contributes to urban transportation development in Australia, but also benefits economies and labour markets in both countries.
Supporting overseas Australian businesses where possible and identifying potential areas of bilateral cooperation is one of the key priorities for Australian overseas posts.