ACT Chief Minister, Katy Gallagher, has today announced that she will lead a delegation, including the Australian National University and the University of Canberra Vice-Chancellors, on an education mission to China in the first week of September to promote the Government's commitment to Study Canberra.

The trip includes visits to major universities in Shanghai and Beijing, meetings with education recruitment agents on the ground and with alumni networks in both cities.

"The China mission will provide my first opportunity as ACT Chief Minister and the Minister for Higher Education to demonstrate our city's strong commitment to growing our international student market, promoting the benefits of studying and living in Canberra, and to strengthening our city's relationship with Beijing," the Chief Minister said.

"I am particularly delighted that both the Vice-Chancellors of the University of Canberra, Professor Stephen Parker, and the Australian National University, Professor Ian Young AO will be accompanying me on this important trip."

"The presence of both Vice-Chancellors on the delegation serves to underline the importance both institutions place on this trip and the genuine partnership we have created to increase Canberra's share of international students."

"The high level delegation demonstrates how closely the ACT Government is working with the universities to support their work and promote Canberra at the same time."

The ACT Government has today also released a response to the Asian Century White Paper.

"Within a few years the combined countries of Asia will be the world's largest producers of goods and services and the largest consumers of them.  The Asian Century presents us with the right conditions for us to capitalise on the natural strengths and comprehensive advantages of the ACT economy," the Chief Minister said.

The ACT Government is working across seven key action areas to harness the opportunities for Asia's growth including:

• Asian language skills;
• education exports;
• sister city relationships;
• business, trade and investment links;
• direct aviation connections;
• the Global Connect program; and
• business and student networks.

"It is across these key areas that the ACT, will focus on building closer ties and developing economic opportunity – particularly for our education and business sectors," the Chief Minister concluded.

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