Meeting between trade officials raises prospect of greater co-operation between the two nations
China’s international trade negotiator has expressed concern about Australia’s scrutiny of the operations of Chinese firms there, the commerce ministry said, though he flagged the potential for economic and trade co-operation.
The meeting continues an apparent thaw in trade ties that led China to lift curbs on Australian coal exports in early January, though the trade partners continue to feud over Australian exports of wine, beef, barley, seafood, and timber. Wang urged Canberra to “provide a fair, open and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises” during the meeting.
“China-Australia economic and trade relations are at an important juncture of stabilisation and improvement,” the ministry quoted Wang as saying, while calling for stronger communication and co-ordination to help resolve concerns.