MELBOURNE Lord Mayor, Nicholas Reece, led a delegation of councilors and staff on a business mission to China throughout September 2025, to strengthen ties with its sister cities, Chengdu, Nanjing, and Tianjin. The trip also included stops in Hong Kong, and Tokyo/ Osaka World Expo – aimed to boost trade, tourism, and investment, while building on Victoria’s existing relationship with China within its Australia-China strategy.
This visit was a continuation of a long-standing engagement between Melbourne and Chinese cities, including the sister-city partnership with Tianjin since 1980. Tianjin was Australia’s first link with China, fostering extensive economic, educational (like RMIT programs for officials), and cultural exchanges, including urban planning inspiration (Yarra River to Haihe River) and business forums, celebrating 45 years of collaboration in 2025.
The delegation focused on fostering economic opportunities, enhancing trade, and increasing tourism and investment between Melbourne and China.
The mission was also designed to promote Melbourne’s vibrant startup ecosystem, connecting with potential investors and partners in China.
Melbourne boasts a thriving startup ecosystem, highlighted by a strong global ranking of between #32-42 over recent years.
Melbourne’s high early-stage ecosystem is valued at approximately $38.4 billion (as of early 2025), creating significant growth in job creation, and robust investment levels, with over $841 million invested in Victorian startups in the past year.
Melbourne is a top global hub for talent, experience, and innovation, with a particular strength in sectors like biotech, fintech, and AI.
City diplomacy is no longer a soft power play – it’s a strategic imperative.
Reflections from FRANCIS FU – Team Leader, City of Melbourne Capital City Global,
“After leading the design and delivery of the City of Melbourne’s North Asia Business Mission across six powerhouse cities – Nanjing, Chengdu, Beijing, Tianjin, Tokyo and Osaka – I’ve returned with a sharper lens on what global leadership looks like at the city level”…
“This mission was a team effort, and I’m proud to have worked alongside colleagues, civic leaders, and business delegates who brought their energy, expertise and commitment to every step of the journey”.
Cities are stepping up.
Every mayor they met, spoke of the same priorities: green economy, health innovation, education, and technology. These aren’t just buzzwords – they’re the blueprint for the future. And cities like Melbourne have a critical role to play.
We saw how civic storytelling opens doors.
From Swanston Street to Midōsuji Boulevard, from the Yarra to the Haihe River – shared urban narratives are creating real opportunities for our creatives, architects, and entrepreneurs.
We asked bold questions.
Like: how can city governments and AI firms work together to reduce energy consumption?
Because city governments shape behaviour, and businesses deliver solutions.
We also saw what’s missing.
At Expo 2025, Australia’s pavilion is a beautiful, sensory journey – but where is the story of a progressive, multicultural, globally engaged nation?
Melbourne has that story. And we need to tell it louder.
This mission wasn’t a transaction. It was a beginning.
As Buzz Palmer reminded us, Medtech Actuator has had incredible expansion in Osaka – and it all started with a City of Melbourne introduction to Osaka 10 years ago. Relationships take time. But they pay off.
Our diversity is not just who we are – it’s how we lead.
Melbourne’s global edge lies in our ability to bridge cultures, sectors, and systems. Our diaspora communities, multilingual talent, and lived experience are strategic assets in international engagement.
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