SYDNEY, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Western Australia's (WA) newly appointed Asian engagement minister Peter Tinley will address the Chinese Business Council leaders on Monday night, hoping to develop and expand relations.

The speech will be Tinley's first official engagement since being appointed to the role, which was established in light of Asia's rapidly expanding economies including China, India and Indonesia.

"In order to compete successfully on the world stage, WA must do business in the world's fastest growing and most competitive economic region," Tinley said.

In 2017-2018, merchandise exports from WA to China were valued at 44 billion U.S. dollars.

"My role as the Asian Engagement Minister is to support the state's business sector to leverage economic opportunities and drive our trade relationship with China to greater levels," Tinley said.

"Building strong, resilient, sustainable and mutually beneficial networks and relationships with the Chinese diaspora community in WA will play a critical role in helping ensure our future."