China and Hong Kong Trade and Investment Mission 2026

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. 

EOIs closed on Monday, 13 July 2026.

Tasmanian food and beverage exporters

Trade Tasmania invited established Tasmanian food and beverage businesses who are ready to grow their presence in China to submit an EOI to participate in CIIE.

EOI selection criteria included:

• 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 were 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.

EOI selection criteria included:

• 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.

International education providers were also invited to submit an EOI to strengthen partnerships, attract students, and expand their presence in these key markets in conjunction with Study Tasmania.

EOI selection criteria included:

• 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

Businesses in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean sectors and science and technology industries were 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.

EOI selection criteria included:

• 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.

Tasmanian distilleries

The ACBC Tasmania branch invited 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 directly to ACBC. Contact David Morris at david.morris@acbc.com.au for further information regarding this event.

• 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.

Please contact trade@building.tas.gov.au with any enquiries.