A ground-breaking delegation of Australian aged-care training providers to China will visit Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai from 24–28 April to gain a deeper understanding of the needs of China’s 222 million aging consumers.

The 34 delegates have expertise in providing nursing and hospital staff, healthcare professionals and hospital operation and management.

The roadshow will share that expertise, investigate potential collaboration with industry counterparts and demonstrate Australia’s well-established aged-care education and training capabilities.

Austrade’s China-based Trade Commissioner Anna Lin said, “There are significant opportunities for Australian organisations to partner with Chinese institutions to deliver vocational training, train-the-trainer programs in classrooms and aged care facilities, as well as short-term executive courses.

“China is expecting a dramatic increase in demand for aged care services as incomes continue to rise and the population ages.

“Australian aged-care education and training will be essential in meeting the challenges and opportunities this presents. A skilled workforce is essential to contribute to the daily lives of older people.”

Under the China–Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA), China will allow wholly Australian-owned aged care facilities to operate across the country for the first time.

“Medical service providers will also be able to establish wholly Australian-owned hospitals, including in Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai, as well as in the provinces of Jiangsu, Fujian, Guangdong and Hainan,” Ms Lin said.

The roadshow program includes keynote speeches, panel discussions and business networking, as well as experienced professionals from seven Australian organisations who will deliver selected training masterclasses to Chinese industry representatives.

China is Australia's largest services market, with exports valued at $10.7 billion in 2015–16.