China, Australia eye new progress in cooperation

BEIJING -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott agreed during their meeting on Monday that the two countries should work together to make new progress in trade

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and investment cooperation.

Abbott is in Beijing to attend the 22nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting on Nov 10-11.

China and Australia are major forces in promoting peace, stability and development in the Asia-Pacific, and the cooperation between the two countries are becoming more and more comprehensive and strategic, Li said.

In the future, the two sides should work together to accelerate the free trade agreement negotiations, upgrade bilateral economic and trade cooperation, and expand two-way investment, the premier said.

China supports its competitive companies to actively participate in the construction and renovation projects of Australian railways, highways and airports, and the two countries should jointly push forward regional connectivity, Li added.

China and Australia should also strengthen cooperation in the fields of farm and pasture product processing and logistics to make "dinning table economy" the new highlights in mutual cooperation, Li said.

Abbott said China is Australia's important and close partner and cooperation between the two countries has been fruitful.

The Australian side is looking forward to Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit, and is willing to reach the free trade agreement with China to upgrade cooperation in the fields of economy, investment and agriculture, Abbott said.

He said that the Australian government is also happy to see Chinese companies expand investment in the country and will help provide an equitable environment and conveniences.