Chinese visitors settle in to Smithton

Circular Head Chronicle
Wednesday 28/2/2007 Page: 4

FOUR representatives of one of the biggest power generating companies in China are enjoying an extended stay in Smithton, as part of a trip to learn about the Studland Bay windfarm. Rui Jianwei, Zhu Xiaosong, Zhang Weiqi and Zhang Zhongyuan are representatives of Guohau (Tongliao) Wind Power Co Ltd, and are being hosted by Roaring 40s, who hope to do business with their company.

"It's a really big market in China. The renewable energy sector is growing enormously," said Roaring 40s senior project manager Michael Gilmore. "They've come over to Studland Bay to see how we operate and we send people over to China to see how they operate.

"We hope to do lots of business with these people." China has massive energy needs, and the country is keen to embrace all kinds of power generation to meet them, including renewables. China has a number of renewable energy sources, including wind, hydro, solar and bio-mass.

The men have been in Smithton for three weeks and will stay until March 10. Mr Gilmore said the local community has been welcoming especially Billy Liang, owner of the Jade Dragon Chinese restaurant.

Saturday January 17 was Chinese new year, a very important day in the Chinese calendar. Mr Liang invited the men to a special dinner at the Jade Dragon to celebrate. It was the first time any of the visitors had been away from friends and family for Chinese new year. "It was nice that Billy put on a banquet for them," Mr Gilmore said.

The men said they loved Tasmania and its natural beauty, and described it as "very beautiful and peaceful". So far they have visited Cradle Mountain, Stanley and Hobart and will travel to Launceston. Staying in a small town has been a shock for the men, three of whom are from Beijing, a city of 15 million.