By LIA SPENCER
THE City of Casey will be looking to China to secure multi-million dollar investments for major local projects.
Deputy Mayor Sam Aziz will fly to China on Tuesday where he will meet with several potential investors and present to them with opportunities in the City of Casey and Cardinia Shire with the key focus on the Casey Main Street project, an international-standard ice rink, a domestic and international airport and the Bunyip food belt.
Cr Aziz said he would be staying in China for five days to attend several meetings and presentations to a range of potential investors under the framework of the Casey-Cardinia business agreement.
“Officers have done the work and now it’s up to me to do a salesman job for the municipality,” Cr Aziz said.
“I will be going to three different parts of China to meet with various delegates and to promote the City of Casey as a good place to invest and do business.
“China is looking for investment opportunities that have a minimal risk and I think Australia represents that.”
Some Casey residents voiced concerns about the trip on the Cranbourne Berwick News Facebook page, with one resident saying it was “junket season again,” and another, Said Oubaida, asking if it was a late April fool’s joke.
Cr Aziz said he was optimistic about attracting investors and said the benefits of the trip could far outweigh the expenses.
“This is a positive opportunity for Casey,” he said.
“It will cost council about $3000 and the potential for investment and return is significant.”
Council will continue their discussions with VECCI, the City of Melbourne and other agencies to identify a potential sister city opportunity with China and will consider participation in the planned Victoria trade mission later in the year as a further step to engage with China for potential inward investment and export opportunities.
Cr Aziz said he looked forward to showing investors what Casey had to offer. He admitted that securing investments and creating the projects could be a lengthy process, but would be worth it if the process delivers benefits for local residents.
