SYDNEY, Oct 20 - 2015 Sydney China Business Forum will be held in Sydney, Australia on November 2. As a leading information and networking event in Sydney, the forum will bring together more than 250 Australian and Chinese industry and government leaders.

This year, Sydney China Business Forum is focused on the key trends in China's healthcare industry and the related opportunities for Australian businesses, following the comprehensive free trade agreement signed by both countries earlier this year.

Sydney Mayor Clover Moore, who will open the forum, said Sydney businesses were in an ideal position to respond to the rising demand for healthcare products and services in China.

“Almost 8 per cent of city residents in the workforce are employed in the healthcare sector, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics,” the Lord Mayor said.

“There is an opportunity here for Sydney businesses to become key players in the growing market for aged care, nutrition and other healthcare products.

“Sydney is proud to support this valuable forum for the next three years, helping to strengthen long-term, sustainable connections with China, which is central to Sydney's continued economic growth.”

Professor Kerry Brown, China studies expert in Australia, said the forum was a great opportunity for Australian and Chinese companies to explore ways in which they can benefit from the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.

“The signing of the free trade agreement earlier this year has the potential to unlock enormous growth opportunities for the healthcare and pharmaceuticals sectors in Australia and China,” Professor Brown said.

“China is already Australia's second largest market for pharmaceuticals, including vitamins and health products, with exports worth $AU381 million in 2013-2014, this figure is sure to grow in coming years.”

The forum is organised by the University of Sydney's China Studies Centre, with the support of local government agencies, associations and industry partners. (People's Daily Online/ Chuyi Sheng)