Tasmania could provide technical support for Chinese Antarctic expeditions after an agreement was signed last night.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Tasmania Polar Network and the Polar Research Institute of China could see Tasmania provide services including repair and maintenance, spare parts and technical support for Antarctic equipment and machinery.

The agreement was signed during an eight-day trade mission to China.

Minister for State Growth Matthew Groom told Chinese officials it was an important collaboration.

"We have got a great network of businesses and expertise that can help service China's Antarctic research expedition and we're very keen through these discussions to find practical ways to work together,'' he said.

Mr Groom said Australia had a long-standing collaboration with China on Antarctic matters and wanted it to grow.

"The concentration of Antarctic expertise is unique to our state and this MOU is a significant step forward in this important collaboration between Tasmania and China, reinforcing our gateway status to service China's rapidly growing Antarctic expedition," he said.

"One thing in particular we're keen to do is to ensure we've got good infrastructure to support China's Antarctic expedition and research needs.

"We're looking at expanding our airport to ensure we're able to support aviation needs and also the redevelopment of facilities at the Hobart port, likewise, to support China's Antarctic expedition needs."

The delegation attended a dinner in China last night that showcased Tasmanian produce to 300 people in the Chinese premium food market.