Frankston City welcomes ambassador of the People’s Republic of China

Published on 14 August 2025

Frankston City had the rare honour this week of hosting His Excellency Ambassador Xiao Qian, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Australia, for a special visit strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new opportunities.

Accompanied by senior representatives from the Chinese Consulate General in Melbourne, the Ambassador’s visit highlighted the importance of Frankston’s long-standing Sister City relationship with Wuxi, China.

This followed a successful meeting with Ambassador Qian and Mayor Kris Bolam in Canberra where the two discussed opportunities to resuscitate the Frankston-Wuxi Sister City relationship.

The Frankston-Wuxi Sister City relationship agreement was signed in October 2011, based upon a shared vision for economic cooperation and bilateral trade, and to enhance exchanges in the fields of social affairs, culture, tourism, education - particularly vocational education and high school partnerships - and the development of liveable cities.

The centrepiece was the Frankston–Wuxi Roundtable Discussion at McClelland Gallery, hosted by the Frankston Business Collective with Council support. The event brought together local and regional leaders to explore collaboration in:

Business and industry – trade, investment and supply chain growth
Tourism and arts – cultural exchange and destination promotion
Higher education and research – student pathways and joint research
Housing and accommodation – investment and development opportunities.

Attendees included representatives of the Frankston Business Collective, the Australian Wuxi General Chamber of Commerce, Monash University, Chisholm Institute, key industry stakeholders and business leaders in Frankston City and Council. Among them were local success stories like Dainton Brewery, already exporting craft beer to Wuxi, and That Spirited Lot, an award-winning distillery seeking to expand into the Chinese market - clear examples of the mutual benefits possible through strengthened international ties.

Mayor Kris Bolam JP accompanied the Ambassador to key sites of cultural and economic significance, including Wuxi Way at the Frankston Waterfront, the former Sofia’s restaurant and Visitor Information Centre site (soon to be transformed into a new dining destination), Ballam Park Homestead and the Sister Cities sculptural sign. The itinerary also included Australian Dairy Farm Pty Ltd in Carrum Downs – a local business with strong international connections.

Frankston City Mayor Kris Bolam JP said the visit was an honour and a testament to Frankston City’s potential on the international stage.

“It is not every day that Frankston City has the privilege of hosting a dignitary of such standing. This visit not only celebrates our connection with Wuxi, but also opens the door to new opportunities for our businesses, education providers and cultural institutions to partner with China.”

“The world economic order is changing, and amid unprecedented growth and transformation, we need to harness new opportunities that continue to support Frankston’s upward trajectory. Fostering positive and more durable Sino-Australian relations is an absolute necessity”

Frankston Business Collective CEO Bernadine Geary said the roundtable demonstrated the strength of the business community’s appetite for international engagement.

“The Ambassador’s visit created an invaluable platform for local leaders to connect, share and explore opportunities that can deliver tangible results.”

“I am excited by the potential partnerships and projects that could emerge from these discussions - boosting local business growth, creating jobs, attracting students, and increasing visitors to our region.”

The visit concluded with shared commitment to continue building the Frankston–Wuxi partnership to deliver meaningful benefits for both cities. To support this and in an effort to continue strengthening the relationship, Mayor Kris Bolam JP will be visiting Wuxi in China for three days in September-October 2025.

For more information on Frankston City’s Sister and Friendship City relationships, visit: www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Community-and-Health/Sister-Cities