China and Hong Kong Trade and Investment Mission 2026
Trade Tasmania invites expressions of interest from export-ready businesses to participate in a targeted trade and investment mission to China and Hong Kong – identified as key priority markets under the Tasmanian Trade Strategy 2030.
This mission will feature participation in the China International Import Expo (CIIE), a leading platform for food and beverage exporters to connect with major Chinese buyers, and the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair, offering Tasmanian distillers a premium showcase to engage with influential trade networks across Asia. Expressions of interest are also open to Antarctic and Southern Ocean, science and technology businesses, tourism operators, and international education providers seeking to build partnerships and expand their presence in these dynamic markets.
Together, these opportunities form part of a targeted program that will provide a valuable platform for Tasmanian businesses to strengthen international connections, showcase their premium products and services, and explore new commercial pathways across key sectors. Participants will benefit from a tailored schedule of business meetings, market briefings, and networking events designed to support market understanding, expansion, and long-term growth in the region.
The China and Hong Kong trade and investment mission will take place from 3 to 10 November 2026. The high-level program outline is below, however, will vary depending on the business stream and may exclude some cities, or include other cities, as appropriate to individual programs. The below is a guide only.
General
CIIE
Antarctic and Southern Oceans, science and technology
Tuesday, 3 November
Beijing
Beijing
Wednesday, 4 November
Beijing
Shanghai
Beijing
Thursday, 5 November
Shanghai
Shanghai
Shanghai
Friday, 6 November
Shanghai
Shanghai
Shanghai
Saturday, 7 November
Hong Kong
Shanghai
Sunday, 8 November
Hong Kong
Shanghai
Monday, 9 November
Hong Kong
Shanghai
Tuesday, 10 November
Fuzhou
Shanghai
CIIE presents a significant opportunity for established Tasmanian food and beverage exporters to access one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing consumer markets. As a premier trade event focused on facilitating imports into China, CIIE attracts major distributors, retailers, and e-commerce platforms seeking high-quality international products. Participation enables Tasmanian businesses to showcase premium, clean, and traceable produce, build brand recognition, and establish commercial partnerships with key buyers across multiple channels. It is particularly well suited to companies with an existing presence in China, seeking to expand their footprint through strategic engagement and targeted market exposure.
The Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair offers a highly regarded platform for Tasmanian distillers to promote their award-winning spirits to a sophisticated and globally connected audience. As a leading trade hub for wine and spirits in Asia, Hong Kong provides access to influential importers, distributors, hospitality buyers, and collectors from across the region. The fair enables distillers to highlight Tasmania’s reputation for quality, provenance, and innovation while developing valuable trade relationships and exploring export opportunities in both Hong Kong and mainland China through its well-established distribution networks. The Australia China Business Council – Tasmanian Branch (ACBC), in-conjunction with the Tasmanian Whisky and Spirits Association (TWSA), will lead the Tasmanian presence at the fair, and all expressions of interest must be submitted through the ACBC EOI platform.
Tasmanian distilleries
The ACBC Tasmania branch invites Tasmanian distillers who are members of ACBC and TWSA, and who are ready to grow their international presence through participation at the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair to submit their EOI through the ACBC EOI platform.
Trade Tasmania invites established Tasmanian food and beverage businesses who are ready to grow their presence in China, to submit an EOI to participate in CIIE. EOIs will close on Monday, 10 July 2026.
The EOI process will be competitive. EOI selection criteria will include:
Capability to meet Chinese import requirements, including certifications, labelling standards, and any relevant registrations.
Production capacity and ability to meet buyer minimum order quantities and lead times.
Clear and realistic goals for participation (e.g. securing distributors, entering e-commerce platforms, brand awareness), supported by an identified market entry or expansion strategy.
Previous export experience in China, or strong evidence of preparedness for first-time entry.
Capacity and willingness to actively engage in pre-mission preparation and post-mission follow-up to convert leads into commercial outcomes.
The ability to showcase, promote and strengthen the TASMANIAN brand in-market.
Tasmanian tourism operators and international education providers
Tourism operators are encouraged to submit an EOI to join the mission and explore opportunities to showcase Tasmania’s unique visitor experiences while building valuable partnerships in China alongside Tourism Tasmania.
The EOI process will be competitive. EOI selection criteria will include:
Demonstrated experience servicing international visitors or clear readiness to enter offshore markets, including culturally appropriate products and services.
Strong track record of delivering high-quality visitor experiences, including relevant accreditations or industry recognition.
Availability of suitable marketing materials (including translated content where possible) and ability to promote effectively in-market.
Willingness to engage in pre-mission preparation and actively pursue leads generated during the mission.
The EOI process will be competitive. EOI selection criteria will include:
Demonstrated experience recruiting or partnering internationally, or clear strategy for entry into Hong Kong and Chinese markets.
Clear intent to establish or strengthen relationships with recruitment agents, institutions, or government stakeholders.
Capacity to convert leads into enrolments or partnerships through ongoing engagement post-mission.
Antarctic and Southern Oceans, science and technology businesses
Businesses in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean sectors and science and technology industries are invited to submit an EOI to participate in the mission. This is an opportunity to explore international partnerships, showcase Tasmanian capability, and engage with potential collaborators in China.
The EOI process will be competitive. EOI selection criteria will include:
Demonstrated experience servicing international Antarctic programs.
Demonstrated capability with Antarctic, Southern Ocean, or science and technology sectors relevant to Tasmania’s international engagement priorities.
Capacity to engage with international partners, including potential for commercial or research partnerships, and commitment to pursuing opportunities arising from the mission.
EOIs will close on Monday, 10 July 2026.
Expressions of interest will remain confidential and are non-binding.
Your expression of interest does not guarantee participation in the mission or trade show.
Selected businesses may be required to participate in pre-mission training and briefing sessions as a condition of acceptance.
Building Tasmania has the right to reject any application without being obliged to discuss the reasons for doing so. Any decision made by the department will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.
An invitation to participate in the mission will be issued to successful businesses.
Selected businesses:
will be responsible for organising, confirming and paying for their own flights, accommodation, transfers, visas and on-ground costs.
are required to adhere to the country entry requirements applicable to the time of travel.
EOIs for participation at Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair will not be accepted by Trade Tasmania. All EOIs for this event must be submitted through the ACBC EOI link only.
EOIs for participation at CIIE will be accepted from individual commercial businesses only.
Businesses invited to participate in CIIE will be responsible for organising, confirming and paying for
freight logistics, additional storage, and any on-stand equipment in addition to what is provided.
any complementary ingredients to accompany showcased products or samples.
company specific marketing collateral, all equipment necessary for sampling, including but not limited to knives, toothpicks, plates, cutting boards, etc.
Businesses invited to participate at CIIE will be responsible for maintaining:
company staffing on the TASMANIAN stand during CIIE opening hours.
ensuring all products and samples are within use by dates for the term of the event.
Businesses invited to participate at CIIE only will be responsible for the participation cost of $1,000 (excluding GST) plus the cost of any special equipment rental.