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What drives Chinese investment in Australia?

Graham Hand
18 September 2013

Extract from Lowy Institute lecture.

On 18 September 2013, the Lowy Institute for International Policy hosted Mr Andrew Michelmore for the Lowy Institute 10th Anniversary China Changing Lecture in Beijing.

Mr Michelmore, based on his extensive professional experience, shared his views on the Australia-China investment relationship and the role played by Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOE) in Australian resource and energy investments.

KEY FINDINGS

While Chinese direct investment into Australia increased 21% in 2012 to US$11 billion, China still represents less than 3% of total Australian stock of investment.

In 2013, the Australian community remains cautious about welcoming further Chinese investment – particularly in agricultural land.

Most recently, Australia has sent mixed messages and ‘tarnished’ its reputation for policy stability because of mismanagement and miscommunication around the introduction of the Minerals Resource Rent Tax and the Carbon Pricing Mechanism.

Both nations must take an active and partnership role in ensuring that the case for Chinese-Australian investment is made. We must create the policy environment to facilitate growth and must lower the barriers to investment.

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What drives Chinese investment in Australia?