NFACR’s CEO: Steel Decarbonization of Great Significance to China-Australia Green Cooperation

By Sharon Hu, 21st Century Business Herald, SFC

"The National Foundation for Australia-China Relations has always supported and sponsored scholars, economists, and others from both Australia and China to engage in dialogues with policymakers and work together to achieve the goal of net-zero emissions, which is an example of the Foundation's efforts to facilitate China-Australia cooperation in the field of green energy." Gary Cowan said , CEO Of National Foundation for Australia-China Relations (NFACR) in an interview with 21st Century Business Herald.

Cowan said that climate and decarbonization are extremely crucial areas in China-Australia cooperation, and both countries have set net-zero emissions targets. For instance, Australia is China's largest iron ore supplier. So he believes that China and Australia working together to reduce carbon emissions in the steel production process is of special significance.

Cowan has served at the Australian Embassies in Beijing and Shanghai and speaks fluent Mandarin. He said this trip marks his first visit to Guangzhou. "When I arrived in Guangzhou by plane, I was shocked by the city's scale and fresh air," Cowan also spoke highly of Guangzhou's comprehensive infrastructure.

NFACR was established in 2020 under the Australian government to deepen Australia-China relations and promote practical bilateral cooperations. Cowan noted that China and Australia have focused their cooperation on climate change, carbon reduction, agriculture, health, art, tourism, and education. NFACR also allocates funds to key cooperation projects every year and has so far funded 190 projects with a total amount of 38 million Australian dollars.

During his visits in Guangzhou, Cowan said he was deeply impressed by the 15th National Games being held in the GBA. "China has achieved remarkable results in the sports field, and we have been sending Australian youth teams to China for exchange activities. Moreover, tennis is now extremely popular in China, and China and Australia have carried out numerous training and event exchanges in tennis." He believes that sports cooperation between China and Australia can not only improve the competitive level of athletes from both countries but also better link the relations between the two sides.