Flinders is getting down to business on the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.

No sooner did the ink dry on Australia signing the historic trade agreement than Flinders University international business students swung into action.

Almost 300 postgraduate students enrolled in Flinders University’s Master of Arts (International Relations in Economy and Trade) are now working on a project to capitalise on the new trade and investment rules for importers, exporters and investors.

“Our students are developing a sustainable business opportunity with an appropriate market entry strategy for either an Australian or Chinese company based on the terms of the new agreement,” says Flinders University International Business Lecturer Geoff Upton from Beijing.

“This demonstrates how fast Flinders can bring these developments to the notice of postgraduate students who are working in industry, commerce, banking and government across China – while also get their marketing perspective,” he adds.

Mr Upton says the FTA has caused a significant amount of activity by business people in both countries, particularly in the agribusiness, resources, energy, manufacturing and services sectors.

The International Business Environment course is being taught in five cities as part of the Flinders postgraduate program conducted in association with Nankai University.

The research project coincides with the latest graduation ceremony at Nankai University attended by Flinders University Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling, Chancellor Mr Stephen Gerlach and Professor Naijia Guan, the Vice-President of Nankai University, along with other academic leaders from both universities.

More than 230 postgraduates received their master degrees in Economy and Trade, Hospital Administration, and Educational Leadership and Management under Flinders’ China program.