MELBOURNE, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The incoming CEO of Australian mining giant BHP has highlighted the importance of continuing to strengthen relationships with the company's customers.

Brandon Craig, currently the president of BHP's Americas division, made the remarks at a press conference on Wednesday. The board of BHP, the world's leading copper producer, said in a statement that Craig will take over as CEO from July 1, succeeding incumbent Mike Henry, who will step down after over six years in the role.

Additionally, he said that the Australian government "has to compete" with very attractive incentive regimes being put in place by other countries to attract investment.

The Australian Financial Review reported that Craig was chosen for his ability to act "as a bridge" from BHP's iron ore past to its copper future, and BHP Chairman Ross McEwan told media that the center of gravity of the business has shifted, with a lot more future potential developments in the U.S., Chile and Argentina.

BHP's share price on the Australian Securities Exchange was up 0.9 percent at the close of trading on Wednesday. ■