Chinese entrepreneur symbolizes Australian story: NSW Premier

The Premier of New South Wales, the Hon Barry O'Farrell MP, has spoken passionately about the contribution of Chinese migrants to Australia's economic and cultural heritage at the opening of the tallest residential building outside the Sydney CBD, in a project led by an Australian- Chinese entrepreneur.

A large, multicultural crowd gathered along Parramatta's popular Asian eating strip, Church Street, for the official opening of the 28-level 107-metre high B1 Tower -- as the first development completed by B1 Group -- headed by one of Australia's leading female entrepreneurs, Anne Bi.

O'Farrell told Xinhua that Ms Bi symbolized the contribution so many Chinese migrants make to Australia's key state, NSW.

"There are 400,000 Chinese-Australians in NSW, they are a great asset for this state and a great asset for the China-Australia relationship. Anne Bi symbolizes that migrant success story," He said.

"I'm here today because this story is so important. And of course I'm here today to acknowledge Anne and all she represents."

The opening of B1 Tower, which includes 3 levels of retail, a restaurant on level 2 and a medical centre on level 3 as well as commercial office space, is a landmark event for the city of Parramatta -- locate to the west of Sydney and often described as the heart of multicultural Australia.

Parramatta Lord Mayor John Chedid told Xinhua that B1 Tower was the first step in Parramatta's journey to becoming the next major Australian city.

We have the infrastructure in place -- a wonderful diverse and growing community .. and we believe Parramatta will soon be the very heart of Sydney," Chedid told Xinhua.

In a sign of Parramatta's gravitational influence, all 82 units of B1 Tower were sold off the plan with three quarters sold before construction began in 2011.

Ms Bi has pledged to continue investing in NSW and told Xinhua that community would be at the heart of her company's ambitions.

"Parramatta is the economic, cultural and entertainment capital of Western Sydney and with improving infrastructure and growth in education, health and smart industries there is an increasing demand for inner-city housing.

"Parramatta has come of age and we are extremely proud to be part of this evolution."

Born in mainland China, Anne Bi came to Australia in 1989 as a student and has played a leading role in promoting cultural exchange between China and Australia, through Rotary and the charitable group Eyes For Asia, in which Australian medical teams travel regularly to China to correct cataract blindness.

"She's a wonderful, dynamic example of why Australia is a country built on the migrant story, a story that is also becoming a Chinese-Australian story," the Premier said.

Completed ahead of schedule by another Chinese-Australian construction firm, 88 Construction, residents have begun moving into their new apartments, which on the upper levels coast views clear to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Ms Bi said B1 Group would continue to seek new development sites in well-located areas of Sydney, leveraging its success in Parramatta.

"We are about to begin marketing of B1 Square in Burwood, which, like B1 Tower, is near established infrastructure -- rail, shopping and schools. B1 Tower has proven our capability as well as our commitment to building a legacy in Australia."