China theory 'myth' says Fortescue Metals boss Nev Power Fortescue Metals Group chief Nev Power says he disagrees with recent suggestions there was a culture clash between Australian and Chinese business people. AUSTRALIA'S business leaders must work hard to dispel any "myth" that Australia cannot have powerful relationships with Chinese businesses, according to Fortescue Metals Group chief Nev Power. He said it was critical any misconceptions were eliminated so Australia could enjoy the benefits associated with China's economic growth. Mr Power said he disagreed with recent suggestions there was a culture clash and used his own company's strong ties with China to highlight the possibilities. "We may speak different languages in the boardroom, but Fortescue has been able to develop robust and extremely productive working relationship at all levels of the Chinese Government and business communities," he said. Our relationship with China is built not only on the supply of iron ore, but also includes the purchase of equipment and the investment by China in our projects and our company. Queensland mining magnate Clive Palmer, who is embroiled in a legal fight with Chinese-owned Citic Pacific, was reported this week as saying there was a "clash of cultures" between Australian and Chinese companies. His comments came as the Chinese community welcomed in the lunar New Year and celebrated 2013 as the Year of the Snake. Addressing the Australia-China Business Council's Chinese New Year celebration, Mr Power said FMG's growth to become the world's fourth largest iron ore miner was not possible without its "friends and trusted business partners in China." FMG's second largest shareholder, after chairman Andrew Forrest, is Chinese steelmaker Hunan Valin Iron and Steel Group its chairman Cao Huiquan is a non-executive director of FMG. "It is, in fact, the strong relationship in China that has been the most rewarding achievement for us as an organisation and as individuals," Mr Power said. Companies, and for that matter countries, are all about people and it is the strong and enduring relationship based on mutual respect and trust that is the foundation for great business. Mr Power said he was optimistic about China's continued growth in 2013 under the new leadership. "It is positive to note the key targets committed to by the new leadership in a doubling of 2010 per capita income and national GDP by 2020," he said.