Xiangmin Wei – Auto industry

Background

• Name: Xiangmin Wei
• Nationality: China
• Family members: Wife and a son
• Visa granted date: 16 February 2017
• Location: I came to Brisbane initially, but now we live in Logan which is nestled between Brisbane and the Gold Coast
• Why did you choose this location: The area of Slacks Creek, a suburb of Logan, is the auto parts industry centre of which my business focuses on.

First steps and experiences in building a new life

Q: What business/es were you involved in before moving to Australia?

A: Before I came to Australia, I had been running an auto battery business in China for more than 20 years. I also invested in stocks and futures.

Q: Why did you choose Queensland?

A: The good weather and attractions of Queensland compelled me to choose Queensland. Most importantly, my son will get a better education here.

Q: When did you first arrive?

A: I have been living in Queensland for three and a half years since I first arrived on 6 April 2017.

Q: What were the biggest challenges/successes in starting a business in Australia?

A: The biggest challenge is doing business in English. Owning a business also requires knowledge regarding local laws and regulations I am not very familiar with. For example, the procedure for signing a lease is different from that in China, and a lawyer is required to sign a long-term lease.

Visa nomination process

Q: How did you find out about and why did you choose State Nominated Business visa?

A: When the idea of migrating came to my mind, I started to do some research online about this and found the Migration Queensland website.

Q: What was your experience with the application process? Any advice for prospective applicants?

A: A migration agency helped me to apply as I had very little knowledge of Australian migration law.

Current situation

Q: What businesses and investments do you have currently in Queensland?

A: I am busy in running my battery business in Logan.

Q: What do you consider your greatest business achievement in Queensland to be?

A: With the registration of my own brand and trademark BWB in Australia, my company has rolled out a new type of lithium battery, which has gained popularity in the local market with customers, and I have achieved a growing turnover in Australia.

Q: What are the most positive aspects of living in Queensland?

A: I spend plenty of time talking with people, and attend events such as the Caravan & Outdoor Show in the Gold Coast to get closer to and understand the life of an Australian. I am hoping I will bring with my advanced products to Australia and benefit people in the future.

Q: Advice to others considering State Nomination?

A: A business visa was the best option for me moving to Queensland. Good surroundings, nice people and mild weather give me many pleasures. I have never considered leaving here since I first arrived.

Future plans

Q: What are your next steps?

A: For me, I am going to purchase a piece of land, on which to build a lithium battery factory and to grow bigger and stronger as a world-class enterprise.