That was the message to emerge from a workshop held in Tamworth yesterday bringing together Chinese business leaders and primary producers.

Shenzhen-based Everich Corporation’s desire to make the city its “hub” for an ambitious expansion into Australia looks set to open many other doors.

The company, whose first business deal in Australia was the purchase of the Woolworths-Dan Murphy’s development, is seeking further opportunities.

Crucially, it has the support of the Shenzhen Enterprise Confederation, which represents the interests of about 5000 companies – many of which are also keen to expand.

Speaking through an interpreter, Everich chairman Eric Lee said the meeting was “very successful” and he was confident of building a strong relationship with Tamworth.

“In 15 years, Everich has gone from a very small company to a company that generated business turnover of US$4.5 billion last year,” he said.

“Based on the first project experience, I would like to move forward for exporting agricultural products from Australia to China, utilising Tamworth as the hub.

“I can see a lot of exchange and communication between the Chinese and the local Australian business people.” Everich has already signed a deal with Nundle-based Australian Agricultural Resources and talks are progressing with Thomas Foods and Agricultural Asset Management.

Shenzhen Enterprise Confederation executive president Wu Jing Tian said Shenzhen, which has a population of about 15 million, was one of China’s best performing cities.

“Shenzhen is one of the fastest developing cities in China and last year had about 10 per cent gross domestic growth,” he said through an interpreter.