Firms eye CIIE for China opportunities

Compared with the world's big whiskey producers, Dale Williams may consider himself a "small player", but his boutique distillery in Australia can still have significant advantages in tapping opportunities in the Chinese market.

"I've already sent some whiskey to China and it's been very well received and sold out. So it seems like a good time to take it further," said Williams, founder and distiller of Eden Whisky in Australia's southernmost Tasmania state.

The strong trade ties between Australia and China and the continued opening-up of the Chinese market significantly help local businesses such as his own, serving as a bright spot amid global economic challenges and disruptions, Williams said.