BEIJING OLYMPIC GAMES

17 August 2008

The Governor-General will attend the Beijing Olympics Games at the personal invitation of the President of China.

Prior to attending the Games the Governor-General will visit Zhejiang Province to meet with a range of Australian business interests active in the Australia/China business relationship and a number of educational institutions with links to Australia.

In Hangzhou, the Governor-General will meet representatives from the Commonwealth Bank which has a significant investment in the Bank of Hangzhou. He will also meet Australian architectural firm Hassell and Australian financial services firm Paymate, both of whom are supplying services to one of China's leading e-commerce companies, Alibaba. In Ningbo, the Governor-General will visit the Australian-invested Leisure Boating Club and cruise along the river on an Australian-built Sunrunner boat.

The Governor-General will be in China between 18 and 25 August and will attend a number of engagements in the Games program in support of Australia’s athletes including Athletics, Diving, Synchronised Swimming, Water Polo and the Closing Ceremony.

His Excellency Dr Ken Michael, AC, Governor of Western Australia, will perform the duties of Administrator of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia during the Governor-General’s absence


Media Contact:
Stephen Jiggins
+61408 480 779
Government House
Canberra
17 August 2008