China, the most populous nation in our region and our largest trading partner is very important to Australia.

Global demand for resources continues to grow, a trend that is expected to continue over the coming decades. This is being driven by population growth and the expansion of a more aspirant middle class in developing and emerging economies.

The imminent federal election must see our major political parties explain how they would position Australia to influence the emerging Cold War – fought in the domain of technology - between the US and China.

The Robb Group, based in Sydney CBD, is a family office that focuses on corporate consulting and investment banking style advisory services to the wholesale corporate market.

Establishing an Australian Business Growth Fund could provide SMEs with the opportunity to take this capacity for innovation into the broader Asian region.

As the developed world comes to recognise and accept the inevitable and substantial competitive forces coming from the developing world in the decades ahead, the tens of millions of small and medium businesses who will drive much of the growth must be resolute in demanding continued opening up of their economies, if the huge potential of the developing world is to be realised.

“China opened up to so many services in health, education, and water management…in hundreds of areas,” Robb said, adding that these areas are Australia's particular strength, expecting “enthusiasm” over further opportunities at home.

Chinese President Xi Jinping was on hand yesterday to open the China International Import Expo designed to show China is open to global markets for business.