It is indeed a pleasure to be here with all of you in Chengdu to celebrate a partnership which is defined by innovation and co-operation.
And can I particularly acknowledge Professor Barry Marshall, who has made such an extraordinary contribution to Australia, to China and to the people of both of our nations.
And anyone who can just bring out casually a Nobel prize is not something that has happened to me before, standing next to someone.
It is an acknowledgement of the contribution that you have made, Professor, and I am very proud as Australian Prime Minister to be with you here today.
Australia is a world leader in medical research.
We take pride in the fact that breakthroughs made in Australia bring new hope and better health to people all over the world.
That’s why our Government invests in science and research – and we invest in the next steps as well.
Because it is medtech and medical manufacturing that enables us to turn the miracle of discovery into treatments and technology that change – and save – lives.
Australian and Chinese researchers, hospitals and universities are driving remarkable progress in every field of medical technology.
From the development of new vaccines, to prevention and early detection technology, to the work Cochlear are doing through the delivery of bionic ears. People in their millions, literally, are benefiting from Australia and China working together and learning from each other.
This is my 8th visit to China but my first visit to Western China. And I was determined to come here.
I was interested to learn that through more than fifty years of diplomatic relations, only one other Prime Minister of Australia has visited Chengdu and Sichuan.
It was back in 1986 when the great Bob Hawke visited a factory owned and operated by the Australian company Printonics.
It specialised in the assembly of printed circuit boards.
Technology that would prove pivotal to so much of the change and transformation we see here in modern China, at home in Australia and indeed around the world.
Four decades later, Chengdu remains central to our two nations’ sophisticated and evolving economic partnership.
A relationship where the exchange of services, knowledge, technology and science is every bit as important and valuable as our booming trade in food, fibre and resources.
A partnership that trusts in the talent and genius of our people.
Chengdu is home to inspiring examples of world-leading Australian and Chinese co-operation in science, technology, research and education.
And the governments of both our nations have a role to play in the success of this collaboration.
A responsibility to invest in our research and university partnerships.
And an opportunity to deepen our co-operation in medical manufacturing.
This also depends on continuing to break down barriers by supporting the free and fair trade that enables Australian medtech companies to access the market here in China.
Governments can build and expand this architecture of co-operation.
Yet ultimately it is people, who give it strength and life.
Our partnership works because you work together.
You engage, share and shape ideas.
And the personal connections you create become generational and cultural links between institutions, enduring partnerships that grow and evolve to take on new challenges and seize new opportunities.
The success stories represented in this room are a source of tremendous pride for all Australians.
They also give us cause for optimism.
The positive difference all of you have made to people’s lives is powerful proof of what can be achieved when Australia and China work together in the best interests of all our citizens.
I should add as well that that is in the interest of the global community as well as our two nations.
Let us continue to build a healthier and more prosperous future, for the people of Australia and the people of the People's Republic of China.