Amway Senior Management, distinguished Amway delegates and fellow Australians.
Ladies and gentlemen, it's a pleasure and a privilege to officially welcome the Amway China 2008 incentive group and to Melbourne, Australia.
I am delighted that Amway has again chosen Australia to recognise and reward the sales performance of its leading staff.
On behalf of the Australian government, I congratulate each of you on your hard work.
We value your visit as we value the partnership Amway and China has with Australia.
Each year, more and more Chinese visitors make the trip to Australia and I hope you become ambassadors for the experience you have during your stay.
Increased air services between Australia and China will create further travel opportunities in the future and the Australian tourism industry is working to create venues and products leading to new and exciting experiences. I hope you will come back to enjoy Australia again.
A great example will be the new Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre which will open next year.
Australia offers many first class business event experiences and the gala dinner here tonight is a great example of the warmth of hospitality that we offer to our visitors.
I hope that you are enjoying the quality standards available through this convention centre.
The new exhibition centre is taking sustainability seriously and looking at design and building options to reduce our impact on the environment.
I know the environment is a matter close to your hearts and that is why I am proud that this new centre will meet the highest environmental standards.
It will be Australia's first 6 star Green Star rated centre and one of the first in the world designed to be green – and it will be a testament to our commitment to sustainability in business events, and innovation, which I know is a hallmark of Amway's growing success in China.
In the meantime, the world will look to China and the Beijing Olympics.
As you would know from your work for Amway, the key to business success is building relationships founded on trust, understanding, mutual benefit and respect.
These have been the foundation of the relationship between Australia and China.
The Beijing Olympics is a fantastic opportunity for the world to engage with China as Australia has, and for our two countries to further build on our close relationship.
On a personal note, I hope each of you enjoy your experience in Australia.
I know this visit will invigorate and inspire you to continue the hard work for which you are now being rewarded.
Thank you.