Trade Minister Mark Vaile says Australian business travellers will soon be able to fast-track through Chinese immigration after China's decision to join the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) Scheme.

"The Chinese announcement opens the way for expedited business travel between 12 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies," Mr Vaile said today.

"The ABTC was an Australian initiative for APEC implemented in 1999.  It provides approved business people from participating member economies with streamlined travel within the APEC region.

"China's announcement that it will join the scheme came during the APEC Ministerial Meeting in Shanghai.

"Fast-tracked business travel between Australia and China will boost Australian involvement in Chinese markets and open the way for higher levels of cross-border trade in the APEC region.

"China is a major player in the global market and an important trading partner. We welcome initiatives that help Australian companies do business with there.

"China's participation in the ABTC Scheme will help Australian businesses maximise opportunities in China's rapidly expanding economy, particularly as China enters the WTO."

The credit-card size card is valid for up to three years for short-term business visits between participating member economies.

"By facilitating rapid travel and reducing the cost of doing business, the ABTC helps Asia-Pacific entrepreneurs respond quickly to business opportunities and boosts the region's international competitiveness", said Mr Vaile.

Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Philip Ruddock welcomed China's decision to join Australia, Chile, Hong Kong (China), South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Thailand, Brunei, Peru and Chinese Taipei, as members of the ABTC scheme.

"Thousands of business people already have an APEC travel card and with China's inclusion in the scheme the benefits of regional business and security cooperation are further highlighted," Mr Ruddock said.

"The ABTC also enhances border integrity in participating economies as each applicant is checked against 'watch lists' of the other participating countries."

"Before each cardholder is issued a card, their entry is cleared by the participating APEC members, and then on arrival they are fast-tracked through special APEC lanes at international airports," Mr Ruddock said.

• APEC Business Card pages Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/business/apec/index.htm)