Bentleys survey shows SMEs keen on Chinese investment

Australia has long been known for its wealth of natural and agricultural resources such as coal, iron ore, dairy and wine. Today, the country's service industries, including education, aged care, medical and information technology, are also recognised internationally for their very high-quality standards. 

"Australian companies possess unique expertise in such industries, and are increasingly looking for international investors to help them grow their businesses and open up new markets overseas," says Alan Ling, head of international services at Bentleys, a leading audit, tax and advisory firm operating in Australia and New Zealand. 

With less than 4 per cent of Australia's gross domestic product coming from foreign direct investment, the country remains a relatively untapped market. While foreign investment has not traditionally been on the radar for Australian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), interest is rapidly growing. 

Data from Bentleys' The Voice of Australian Business survey show that 46 per cent of Australian SMEs want to see more foreign investment in the country. Bentleys is one of the region's professional services leaders in delivering audit, tax and advisory services to SMEs in Australia and New Zealand. It employs more than 470 professionals and operates in 12 locations across Australia, with an office opened in Auckland last year.

As Chinese migrants increasingly flock to Australia for lifestyle and business opportunities, they have become the third-largest migrant group in the country behind the British and New Zealanders. Today, 3.1 per cent of Australia's multicultural population is ethnic Chinese, well-integrated into a society that practises almost every religion and lifestyle. 

"Bentleys is devoted to delivering value to Chinese investors seeking an entry point to Australasia," Ling says. "Our international services desk is bilingual in English and Chinese, adding value for our Chinese clients by having a thorough understanding of their culture and language."