Shandong district bridge representative visit Shandong association

Victoria Shandong Association Extends a Warm Welcome to the Shandong Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese Delegation

On December 9, 2024, the Victoria Shandong Association warmly welcomed a delegation from the Shandong Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese (Shandong FROC) to its Box Hill headquarters. The delegation was led by Vice Chairman Lu Wenpeng, and included Li Xin (Director of the Cultural Exchange Department), Wang Junxiu (Fourth-level Researcher from the FROC Office), Dang Chongyin (Vice President and Secretary-General of the Heze Overseas Chinese Business Association), Qu Guosheng (Chairman of Shandong Yuexing Group), and Xu Yan (Secretary-General of the Shandong International Talent Exchange Association).

The Victoria Shandong Association and Chamber of Commerce delegation was headed by President Chen Guangbao, accompanied by several executive committee members, board members, secretariat representatives, and general members.

Warm Welcome and Purposeful Dialogue

• The meeting was chaired by President Chen Guangbao, who delivered opening remarks, introduced attendees, and provided a brief overview of the association’s history, mission, and commitment to becoming a strong bridge between the local Chinese community and the Shandong homeland. He also outlined the association’s future directions and aspirations.
• Federal MP Keith Wolahan took the stage to express appreciation for the contributions of the Victoria Shandong Association and the broader Chinese community to Australia’s multiculturalism. He conveyed his support for strengthened China–Australia exchanges and praised the remarkable growth of the association.
• State MP Paul Hamer also addressed the gathering, commending the association’s progress and warmly welcoming the visiting delegation.
• Consul Wang Yani, representing the Chinese Consulate-General in Melbourne, emphasized the vital role of overseas Chinese in fostering China–Australia relations. She affirmed the Consulate’s continued support for Chinese community organizations and its commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation in culture, education, and trade.
• Vice Chairman Lu Wenpeng of the Shandong Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese spoke about the organization’s initiatives in supporting overseas Chinese and attracting global talent, noting that Shandong Province has actively responded to national policies encouraging talent and investment attraction, offering substantial support to overseas compatriots.
• Xu Yan, Secretary-General of the Shandong International Talent Exchange Association, presented details of a special international talent fund, including its purpose and application process, which sparked enthusiastic interest among attendees.
• Mr. An Guoxing, representing the Victoria Shandong Association Advisory Council, shared his personal experiences in business and life across both China and Australia. His remarks showcased the industrious and pragmatic spirit of Shandong natives and highlighted their contributions to Australia’s economic development.

Strategic Partnership for Shared Growth

A strategic cooperation agreement was formally signed between the Shandong Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and the Victoria Shandong Association. This agreement creates a new bridge for talent and resource exchange between Victoria and Shandong, facilitates the pursuit of joint opportunities, and establishes an innovative mechanism for deeper cooperation between the two regions. It also represents a critical step toward practical implementation and mutual benefit through community collaboration.

Federal and state MPs, along with the Chinese Consulate representatives, were presented with special gifts from the Shandong delegation, including books and calligraphy/paintings. The Victoria Shandong Association also received a meaningful calligraphy inscription from the hometown delegation—an emblematic gift that deepens the bond with Shandong and symbolizes its identity and heritage.

Looking Ahead with Shared Aspirations

After the formal meeting, guests engaged in informal discussions, sharing reflections on Shandong’s rich history and culture, business opportunities, future growth directions, deeper China–Australia cooperation, and potential partnership pathways between Shandong and Victoria.

The Victoria Shandong Association extends its heartfelt gratitude to the delegation from the Shandong Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese for bringing messages of care, information, opportunity, and cultural gifts from the homeland.