Page 1 of 13 Report to Council Agenda item 7.3
Post travel report by Councillor Ong and Councillor Foster: 17 December 2013 Tianjin, China October 2013
Presenter: Jane Sharwood, Manager Business and International
Purpose and background
1. To report to Council on the travel undertaken by Councillor Ken Ong and Councillor Richard Foster to Tianjin, China associated with the Victorian Government Super Trade Mission (VGSTM) to China for the period 20 to 23 October 2013.
2. The Future Melbourne Committee (10 September 2013) approved the proposal for Councillor Ong and Councillor Foster to travel to Tianjin, China to participate in the VGSTM.
3. Councillors represented Council as part of VGSTM and showcased Council’s leadership role in deepening Melbourne’s engagement with China during the 33 year Melbourne Tianjin sister city relationship.
4. Councillors were accompanied by Michael Anderson and Frances Fu (Business and International Branch) which ensured Council’s full participation in the VGSTM. Strategic partnerships with Australian and Victorian Government representatives and businesses were also strengthened. Refer Attachment 2 and 3.
5. Key outcomes and benefits to Council were:
5.1. Strengthening liveability and lifestyle offering of the VGSTM with Council’s capital city perspective.
5.2. Demonstration of Council’s capability, through the Melbourne Office Tianjin in the development and delivery of super trade mission programs, specifically highlighting the Tianjin market to business stakeholders and allied organisations such as the Department of State Development, Business and Innovation, Department of Environment and Primary Industry, Australian Trade Commission.
5.3. Recognition of the unique and complementary role that Council plays in deepening Melbourne’s engagement with China through city to city connections and its unique value propositions.
5.4. Promotion of Melbourne’s capability as a knowledge city and liveability branding as strongly profiled during Cr Foster’s speech to an audience of approximately 200 super trade mission delegates and 400 high-level government and industry stakeholders from Tianjin.
5.5. Highlighting of Council’s sophisticated approach to promoting sustainability and strategic urban planning through Cr Ong’s keynote presentation at the Liveable Cities of the Future Forum.
5.6. Recognition by Tianjin’s Executive Vice Mayor Ren Xuefeng of the strength of the 33 year sister city relationship between Melbourne and Tianjin represented by the active participation of the two Councillors throughout the super trade mission program.
5.7. The opportunity to reinforce Council’s commitment to the Melbourne Tianjin sister city relationship. City of Melbourne’s 2014 mission was discussed with key Tianjin government agencies which welcomed the proposed visit and demonstrated strong support for the mission.
5.8. The opportunity to profile the expertise of the Melbourne Office Tianjin and to encourage Melbourne based companies to leverage Melbourne’s longstanding connections with Tianjin and Melbourne’s liveability city brand.
Recommendation from management
6. That Council notes this report and summary of benefits and outcomes associated with Councillor Ong and Councillor Foster’s travel to China.
Attachments: 1. Supporting Attachment 2. Outcomes and Benefits of Travel 3. Visit Program Page 2 of 13
Attachment 1 Agenda item 7.3 Council 17 December 2013
SUPPORTING ATTACHMENT
Finance
1. The costs incurred by Council for the Councillors’ travel were as follows:
Councillor Councillor Total Ong Foster Airfares - Class Business Business Airfares $ 4481.52 $ 4481.52 $ 8963.04 Accommodation $ 787.73 $ 787.73 $ 1575.46 Sustenance $ 174.55 $ 143.22 $ 317.77 Fares $ 58.70 $ 58.70 $ 117.40 Incidentals $ 82.53 $ 95.00 $ 177.53 Total $ 5585.03 $ 5566.17 $11,151.20
Conflict of interest
2. No member of Council staff, or other person engaged under a contract, involved in advising on or preparing this report has declared a direct or indirect interest in relation to the matter of the report.
Relation to Council policy
3. Council Plan Goal 3 – A Prosperous City and the International Engagement Framework which was endorsed by Council in 2010.
Environmental sustainability
4. Council’s involvement in the mission and presentation at the ‘Liveable and Sustainable Cities of the Future Forum” profiled Council’s sustainability initiatives.
5. Victorian Super Trade Mission delegates demonstrated Melbourne’s capabilities in sustainable urban development and environmental technologies during the forum and individual business meetings.
6. Sustainability issues were discussed and recognised as priority areas at meetings with key Tianjin Government agencies during this trip.
1 Page 3 of 13 Attachment 2 Agenda item 7.3 Council 17 December 2013
Outcomes and benefits of travel
Outcomes
1. Councillors gained a deeper understanding of Tianjin and the wider Chinese market which will assist in advising Melbourne businesses of the opportunities in this growing market.
2. Through meetings with Tianjin business and government leaders Councillors were able to develop a great understanding of the opportunities generated by Council’s long term investment in the operation of the MOTJ and its key staff to facilitate business and civic connections in Tianjin.
Benefits
3. Benefits associated from the travel undertake by the Councillors include:
3.1. Raising of Council status as a facilitator for Melbourne based businesses and trade in the China market particularly as it relates to Tianjin.
3.2. Demonstrated the MOTJ’s capability and resources for the facilitation of trade and investment opportunities.
3.3. Established a sophisticated network of stakeholders and potential partners for upcoming trade and development activities including business missions.
3.4. Demonstrated Tianjin Government and business leaders the commitment of Melbourne to the facilitation of trade and business activities between the two cities.
1 Page 4 of 13 Attachment 3 Agenda item 7.3 Council 17 December 2013
2013 Victorian Government’s Super Trade Mission to China – Visit Program for Cr Ong and Cr Foster
Monday 21 October 2013, Tianjin Activity Key Messages
High-level Forum Cr Ong provided a keynote presentation profiling the City as a global leader on Liveable and in the field of sustainability and elaborating on the ‘Melbourne Story’ Sustainable including its liveability and sustainability success. Cities/Infrastructure Council’s role in strategic planning, its Municipal Strategic Statement 2013 + Networking focusing on issues in relation to urban renewal, more productive land use Luncheon and efficient and convenient transport links to connect the city were also outlined. City of Melbourne environmental policies and programs were showcased including 1200 buildings, embedded energy generation, integrated water management and urban design strategy. Presentations were also made by leading AUS cluster member companies and key Tianjin government representatives: Mr Qin Chuan, Deputy Director, Tianjin Urban Planning Bureau (TUPB) Mr Zhu Zhongyi, Vice President, China Real Estate Association Prof Jian Ting Wang, Tianjin University Prof Donald Bates, Director, Lab Architecture Tony DeDomenico, Chairman, AUS Cluster Mr Andrew Olszewski, Director, International Urban Strategy Mr Sandy Edge, Director, Peddle Thorp Architects Mr Joburt Betadum, Head of Business China, Buchan Mr George Hatzimihalis, Director, Hatler Group
Presentations made by Mr Qin Chuan and Mr Zhu Zhongyi sent a strong message that the Chinese Government is committed to developing more eco-friendly cities by learning from cities with expertise and experience in the field of sustainability. They also stressed that China will need to choose its own development path in light of China’s unique market characteristics, its scale of urbanization and phase of economic development. They discussed that whilst it is useful to utilize clean technologies, the importance of developing and implementing strategies for promoting use of public transport and enhancing citizen’s awareness of sustainable living, should not be underestimated. The audience comprised of 77 delegates representing 51 Melbourne
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businesses, and over 110 Chinese guests including Chinese government officials and key design agencies such as Tianjin Urban Planning Bureau, Tianjin Architectural Design Institute, Tianjin Urban Planning and Design Institute, as well as leading designers and developers such as TEDA Construction Group.
Meeting with Tianjin Civil Affairs Bureau is a government department responsible for Tianjin Civil Affairs social administrative matters. Its main functions include: Bureau - Implementation of civil affairs related policies and regulations. Mr Guan Deputy Strategic planning of civil affairs. Director - Veteran wellbeing and re-employment. Ms Jung Director - Emergency services and disaster relief works. Social Affairs Bureau - Payments and services for low-income and disadvantaged people. Cr Foster - Pension management for rural areas. - General social welfare. - Marriage registration and children adoption management. - Management of homeless people on streets. - Supervision of all charity lotteries.
The Tianjin Social Affairs Bureau is charged with social management, civic affairs, and social construction principally around helping poor and low income groups.
There is a complicated tiered level of social support in Tianjin. Special assistance comes in the form of social assistance, housing medical and legal assistance, as well as charity. People who move to Tianjin who are not registered are not entitled to assistance.
In Tianjin at present there are 280,000 registered people in those low- income groups.
There is a distinction between people who live in the urban areas of Tianjin which fall into the low income, low wage category and people from rural areas
Those defined as low income are entitled to a pension of:
600 RMB (AUD$107) per month for registered urban dwellers 400 RMB (AUD$71) per month for rural dwellers in the Tianjin area
The is also an additional 3 kinds of housing subsidy:
Low income stipend 23% of market price People living in accommodation less than 9 sq. metres Accommodation for people who have housing acquired by government
Eligible people are entitled to a stipend that goes toward making up the Document Name: COM_SERVICE_PROD-#8234439-v1- B&I__Global_FF_Visit_program_of_Cr_Ong_and_Cr_Foster_Victorian_Government_Super_Trade_Mission_2013 V4 .DOC.docx Page 6 of 13
difference between what they can afford and market rent.
Tianjin is seen as a leader in China of people policy in this area.
Tianjin also offers subsidised legal advice to low income groups who need advice, and it appears that there is a requirement for law firms in Tianjin to cater for people in this situation.
Cr Foster was keen to find out from the representatives if there was a specific focus on drug-use (or users) and related issues. The advice to Cr Foster was that there is a special team to deal with drug issues in Tianjin but it is not seen as a priority issue as it is limited to a small minority.
In terms of aged care, people aged over 60 can get a stipend to live at home rather than go to a retirement home. However in the event that a person has no economic resources and no family they are entitled to a place in a retirement home for free.
In terms of healthcare there are four categories: Low income “Difficult” group who are on the verge of low income Handicapped Seriously handicapped and ill
The latter is the biggest demographic. 90% of the cost of going to a doctor is covered by government. There are 13 prescribed conditions to which assistance is available including specialist care. There is a layered system of support that depending on condition and group a patient is in, can be up to 98% but is on average 70-80%
There is a special facility for homeless people providing meals and assistance. To qualify one must not have any financial resources; family can’t be found and could be suffering from a temporary mental illness.
It is the belief of the representatives that Council met with, that while the level of support was generous that the continued growth of the Chinese economy will be able to finance this.
Cr Foster met with the Vice-President of Tianjin Normal University Meeting with Professor Zhong Yinghua who is an alumnus of the Tianjin Leader’s Tianjin Normal Program and remembers his time in Melbourne fondly. University Tianjin Normal University has consolidated 14 campuses into one. Professor Zhong It has 35000 students of which are 2800 international students from 69 Yinghua countries. Vice-President Not many students from Australia study at Tianjin Normal University. Tianjin Normal Possibly 70 students from Australia (sponsored by Australian University government)are currently in the university.
Cr Foster Historically the university had focused on teaching but in recent times has moved to be more comprehensive in the kind of course being taught.
Tianjin Normal University has had a long-term relationship with RMIT University with 200,000 RMB (AUD$36,000) in cooperation projects with RMIT. Document Name: COM_SERVICE_PROD-#8234439-v1- B&I__Global_FF_Visit_program_of_Cr_Ong_and_Cr_Foster_Victorian_Government_Super_Trade_Mission_2013 V4 .DOC.docx Page 7 of 13
Professor Zhong mentioned the importance of proposed free trade agreement being pursued by the new Australian federal government and possibility of more university engagement resulting from this.
Cr Foster spoke of his position at Monash University in addition to his duties as a City of Melbourne councillor.
Cr Foster's indicated that in terms of Monash it is Melbourne's largest university and of its students, 60% come from China.
Professor Zhong indicated that he would like to investigate undertaking more projects and student exchange with other universities particularly with Monash given Cr Foster’s involvement with Monash University.
Professor Zhong suggested that a one month internship could be offered by Tianjin Normal University to Melbourne students.
Cr Foster undertook to take back the interest of Tianjin Normal University’s interest in pursuing collaborative arrangements with Monash University.
Courtesy call with Mr Ren Xuefeng, Vice Mayor of Tianjin, hosted the courtesy call and Vice Mayor of welcomed the Victorian Super Trade Mission delegation. Tianjin Mr Ren participated in the Tianjin Government Leaders Program and is an Councillor Foster enthusiastic Melbourne ambassador. Councillor Ong Business exchanges and opportunities in areas of food and beverage, agribusiness tourism, biotech and urban design were discussed and Peter Walsh MLA, encouraged during the meeting. Victorian Minister for Agriculture and Mr Ren recognised the strength of the Melbourne Tianjin relationship and Food Security, praised the vision and foresight of Melbourne City Council in developing Minister for Water and implementing a number of key sister city initiatives for long term business, civic and people to people outcomes, and expressed his support James Flintoff, for the two way exchanges between Melbourne/Victoria and Tianjin. Deputy Secretary, Department of Environment and Primary Industries
Super Trade The networking dinner was attended by over 600 people including the Mission Networking super trade mission delegates as well as key Tianjin government officials, Dinner and its business and industry leaders. Cr Foster’s speech outlined Melbourne’s role as a knowledge city and the world’s most liveable city; showcasing Melbourne’s capabilities in urban design andMelbourne’s standing as a knowledge city, by describing the City’s well-resourced education and research sector and knowledge networks. The City’s important role in building and fostering international links with other cities to generate new business and trade opportunities for
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Melbourne and Victoria was also highlighted. Cr Foster profiled the vital role of Melbourne Office Tianjin in facilitating two way business and civic exchanges.
Tuesday 22 October 2013, Tianjin
Site visit to Tianjin The purpose of the meeting was to understand the role of Tianjin Food and Food and Drug Drug Administration in managing food safety, drug usage and health Administration products. Cr Foster Tianjin Food and Drug Administration management briefed Councillor Foster on its responsibilities which include supervision of the research, Section Chief, production, distribution and use of drugs and medical devices, and Tianjin Food and supervision of the safety management of food, health products, and Drug Administration cosmetics. It also plays a key role in coordinating with other relevant government departments and agencies to investigate major food/drug safety related accidents. Cr Foster discussed the City of Melbourne’s role in inspecting and regulating food premises including restaurants and cafes, as well as other relevant local government responsibilities. Cr Foster explained his role and responsibilities as chair of the People Portfolio; in particular his commitment to ensure Melbourne is a safe and healthy city. Cr Foster explained different roles of other layers of Australian Government with regards to food and drug safety issues. Director and Cr Foster also exchanged views on ongoing efforts in promoting smoke-free premises by both cities. It was recognised at the meeting that city governments in Australia and China play somewhat different roles and Director indicated his bureau would like to send delegations to Melbourne to enhance mutual understanding. Cr Foster welcomed such an initiative.
Site visit to Tianjin The purpose of the visit was to gain an insight into Tianjin’s land resources Municipal Bureau and housing management. of Land Resources Tianjin Municipal Bureau of Land Resources and Housing Management is and Housing the municipal government agency responsible for the city's land resources Management and other natural resources planning, management, protection and rational Cr Ong utilisation; and real estate administration, housing security and reform. The Bureau is mainly: Mr Lin Guobin Division Chief ‐ Responsible for the land management of the city's various construction projects; the total control of the scale of urban construction land; the Mr Wang Youjun supply of all types of construction sites; issuance of construction land Director Mine ratification and state-owned land allocation decision; the real estate Resources market management; the real estate appraisal, auction and real estate Management appraisal agency qualification management; sales, real estate Department transactions, operations, mortgage, guarantee, mortgage and rental, Document Name: COM_SERVICE_PROD-#8234439-v1- B&I__Global_FF_Visit_program_of_Cr_Ong_and_Cr_Foster_Victorian_Government_Super_Trade_Mission_2013 V4 .DOC.docx Page 9 of 13
replacement, exchange, brokerage, information management; Mr Sheng Zhongjie ‐ Responsible for the administration of the use, repair, renovation, Director of demolition and safety assessment of various types of housing; and Integrated Services and Information ‐ Responsible for the protection and utilisation, relocation and renovation, Center decoration and repurposed management of the historic architecture and historic building area.
Cr Ong outlined he role as Chair of the Planning Committee at the City of Melbourne. He spoke about greater Melbourne’s growth – currently at 4.2 million people and the city centre growing at 7 per cent per annum. He explained that people are wanting to be close to the city, to live and work, however there is not much land left and the cost of land and housing is increasingly more expensive. Therefore planning for next 25 years is focussing on how to keep housing affordable and not being so costly.
Cr Ong indicated that in regard to the above, he is extremely interested in finding out what is Tianjin doing in this area.
Mr Sheng visited Melbourne in 2010 and complimented the City of Melbourne on the city and its management.
Mr Sheng provided a broad overview of the activities of the bureau. The bureau is responsible for land area 12,000 square kilometres and is charged with creating strategies for using land. For example, the central government has a requirement for the protection of government land Two different planning types- City planning and: Land Resources Planning.
The categories of land use are: Construction Agricultural Mining Subway Unused land- lakes and rivers Construction category Functional category transport
Specific construction must comply with both land use planning and city planning requirements
One of the major initiatives in Tianjin in recent times has been to move industry to east side of city and free up land for residential development.
The bureau has a 5 and 10 year plan to 2020 based on population growth
3 kinds of housing Low income or relocation or demolished (affordable housing subsidised) Public rental housing 2010 Price fixed housing price decided by market and the government
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land before being developed. The developer of the land has use rights included in the sale document from the government.
Developers know price has been fixed by the Tianjin government so developers need to take into account the expectations that the housing will be affordable.
Design of apartments in price fixed area must be reflective of fixed-price housing. People who buy apartments need to meet requirements There are also limitations on people who buy apartments for investments.
Price fixed housing is only for medium to low income families and for houses removed for reconstruction (east-west)
Fixed price housing is set at 80% of market price for similar forms of housing nearby.
To qualify for fixed-price housing an annual income of less than 45,000 RMB (AUD$8035) and existing apartment less than 60 square metres are required.
In terms of fixed-price housing for young people it is only available for recent graduates not less than 25 years of age (male) and no less than 23 years of age (female). New graduates do not have incentive to buy early but wait a few years until they qualify in terms of age or begin to start families. This presumably means that they are encouraged to continue to live at home.
Price-fixed housing is for Tianjin residents only. Non-residents can't buy price fixed housing.
In the Binhai New Area the larger enterprises will provide housing to workers.
When working for larger enterprises employees can get residential status in Tianjin
Fixed-price housing developers pay government supplementary fees (developer contributions) but government may give 70% discount on government developer contributions for price-fixed housing
The standard per square metre cost for fit out for price fixed housing is 400 RMB (AUD$74).
Site visit to Tianjin The purpose of the visit is togain an insight into China’s local labour and Municipal Human security system. Resources and Tianjin Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau is a key Social Security sector of the Municipal Government for managing the city's labour and Bureau social security administrative affairs. The Bureau briefed Councillors on Its Cr Ong and Cr major functions and in particular explained in great detail its policies around Foster unemployment insurance, age pension, and healthcare insurance. Section Chief of Laws are made in regard to social security by the National People’s Document Name: COM_SERVICE_PROD-#8234439-v1- B&I__Global_FF_Visit_program_of_Cr_Ong_and_Cr_Foster_Victorian_Government_Super_Trade_Mission_2013 V4 .DOC.docx Page 11 of 13
Tianjin Municipal Congress, the People’s Congress at the local level. Regulations are made Human Resources at the state and local level. and Social Security Councilors thanked the Bureau for its comprehensive briefing, explained Bureau the Australian government structure and that many aspects of social security and labor regulations are a Federal and State responsibility in Australia.
Courtesy call The purpose of the courtesy call was to meet with our key stakeholders in Tianjin Foreign Tianjin Foreign Affairs Office (FAO) for discussion on our future Affairs Office cooperation. Tianjin FAO commended the strength and depth of the Melbourne Tianjin relationship and expressed its commitment towards taking the relationship Cr Ong and Cr to the next level by sharpening its focus on key sectors which are of interest Foster to both cities. Sectors that FAO highlighted include education, sustainable Mr Yang Guobiao, development, creative industry and medical and biotech industry. Vice Director “Building beautiful Tianjin” has been raised as an area of priority for Tianjin General city government, in the context of China’s 12th 5-year plan and the commitment of the Chinese central government to addressing the severity of China’s air pollution situation. Cr Ong and Cr Foster responded by pointing towards a number of areas presenting opportunities for exchange such as sustainable water infrastructure, and renewable energy use. Councillors thanked the FAO for its important role in facilitating attendance of Tianjin companies at both the 2012 and 2013 Super Trade missions. It was agreed that both cities need to focus on specific areas of relevance and strategic importance to both cities and start facilitating exchanges between specific work areas of both cities.
Courtesy call with Deputy Director Xiao expressed his strong commitment to assistwith the Tianjin visit of the Lord Mayor of Melbourne scheduled for March 2014. Director Commission of Xiao also outlined the key priorities for Tianjin Commission of Commerce as Commerce (TCC) follows: Deputy Binhai New area being positioned by Chinese Central Government Director/Chief as the economic hub for northern China. Economist Xiao Government wants to develop the Port of Tianjin into a major Dong international port, which aspires to host the second Free Trade Ms Han Xuefei, Zone following the launch of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone. Deputy Chief of Number one priority project is the “building beautiful Tianjin” project. Economic and Trade Relations In this context, key areas of cooperation outlined are as follows: ‐ In-depth discussion and exchanges in areas of urban management and planning, community development and engagement
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‐ Environmental protection – keen to import environmental technologies. Tianjin recently hosted an international desalination technology conference. ‐ In-depth cooperation in bilateral trade, encourage use of Tianjin Port as a gateway into northern China as it aims to service over 10 provinces. ‐ Keen to expand the personnel training sector in context of the national “Going Global” strategy ‐ Cooperation in tourism and culture Both Councillors responded by profiling Council’s environmental initiatives (1200 Buildings, C40 network, and City’s vision of becoming a zero emission city by 2020), and highlighting the leadership role city governments can take in terms of making environmental breakthroughs.
Site visit to Tianjin The purpose of the site visit was to witness our sister city’s new Binhai New Area development area. Both Cr Foster and Binhai New Area is located on the east coast of Tianjin and in the Bohai Cr Ong economic rim zone, with an area of 2,270 square kilometres. It has a comprehensive port whose throughput ranks the fifth in the world.
The China’s State Council has a comprehensive plan on the development and opening of the Binhai New Area and a clear functional positioning for the Area: relying on Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei province, serving the Bohai Rim, facing northeast Asia, and striving to becoming an opening portal in north China, a high level modern manufacturing industry and R&D transformation base, northern international shipping centre and logistics centre, and gradually becoming a liveable ecological new city with economic prosperity, social harmony and beautiful environment. Councillors visited Yujiapu Financial District which is positioned as China’s leading and world-class financial reform and innovation base. The District is planning to build 120 buildings with a total construction area of 9.5 square kilometres and bring together five industrial areas combining exhibitions and conventions, traditional finance, modern finance, education and training, as well as business and commerce. Councillors also visited Tianjin TEDA Eco Centre which is a low carbon economy development centre in Tianjin established to facilitate the city’s progress in exploring a new green growth model. The Centre’s main functions include provision of information services, business matching, organisation of exhibitions and conferences, provision of consulting/training services, business incubation and international cooperation. Wednesday 23 October 2013 Activity Discussion Points Site visit to Tianjin Tianjin Public Security Bureau is equivalent to the Victoria Police. Public Security Document Name: COM_SERVICE_PROD-#8234439-v1- B&I__Global_FF_Visit_program_of_Cr_Ong_and_Cr_Foster_Victorian_Government_Super_Trade_Mission_2013 V4 .DOC.docx Page 13 of 13
Bureau The Public Security Bureau is led by the Municipal Government of Tianjin and Ministry of Public Security. Its main functions are to:
Supervise the social security, deal with situations which endanger Both Cr Foster and ‐ national security and public order, and implement countermeasures; Cr Ong Prevent, deter and detect criminal activities; Division Chief of ‐ Tianjin Public ‐ Manage the city's road traffic safety, and organise the city's fire control Security Bureau service; Organise and implement the security service for foreign guests visiting Tianjin and other security objectives. The bureau has 36,000 officers and is funded by the Tianjin government. It is responsible for an area of 12,000 square kilometre area and 13 million people. The bureau has roles including public security, traffic, criminal investigations and administration. It also has two hospitals dedicated specifically for police. Tianjin is considered as one of the safest cities in China. Theft is a major crime and increasingly financial crime. The rate of murder is relatively low. 50% of crime is perpetrated by people from other cities. Presumably this is because they may not be eligible for social assistance. Cr Foster asked what kinds of financial crime were prevalent in Tianjin. The response was that this was in the area of telecommunications fraud, money laundering, contract fraud and increasingly credit card fraud with people preying on older people.. Cr Foster outlined the role of local government in Melbourne which differs from that of Tianjn and because Melbourne has no direct control over police operations and therefore a strong relationship has been established with local police authorities. CoM’s initiatives to improve public safety in the city including improvements in safe taxi ranks, lighting, cooperation with Victoria Police. Also community initiatives such as those with Salvation Army and other community groups to help young people stay safe and get home safely after a night out in the CBD. Meeting with Alan Two Councillors met with Alan Morell Senior Trade Commissioner based in Morrell, Senior Austrade’s Beijing office for a market update. Trade Alan recognised the strength of the Melbourne Tianjin relationship and Commissioner shared insights into possible approaches to leveraging the strong Austrade Beijing Melbourne brand and City of Melbourne’s unique value proposition for the Chinese market. Alan also briefed both Councillors on opportunities and challenges of doing business in China in the current Chinese political and economic environment and an update on Australia China Free Trade Agreement.
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