China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone was established on 29 September 2013.This 28.3km² land marks a major milestone in the nation`s commitment to forge ahead with domestic reforms and wider opening to world markets in line with globalization.

According to a statement by the Chinese premier Li Keqiang, an important initiative in the free trade zone is to establish a national pavilion group – which aims to promoting bilateral trade and investment between China and other countries. The Australian National Emporium (ANE) was set up accordingly, and also the first national pavilion opened in the free trade zone. The establishment of ANE is endorsed by the Australian government with support from the Minister of Trade and Investment, the Shanghai Free Trade Zone Administrative Committee, the Australian Trade Commission, and Australian Consulate General (Shanghai).

ANE officially began operations on 30 May 2014. ANE is a comprehensive two-way platform to promote economic, cultural and technological cooperations between Australia and China. Against this background, ANE adopts innovative concepts to integrate various resources and provide professional services for collaborative projects between Australia and China.