Truss Announces Bilateral Economic Talks with China

Australia will host the 11th Joint Ministerial Economic Commission (JMEC) meeting with China on 3 October 2006. The Australian Government Minister for Trade, Warren Truss, will host his Chinese counterpart, the Minister of Commerce, Mr Bo Xilai, on the 20th anniversary of the establishment of JMEC.

"The JMEC is the main bilateral forum for advancing our economic and trade interests with China. It provides an opportunity for Ministers to promote new areas of cooperation to further strengthen the relationship," Mr Truss said.

Mr Truss said that he would encourage China to agree to Australia's proposal for the next steps for the FTA negotiations in goods, services and investment.

"The timing of the JMEC meeting is particularly crucial given the expectation that Australia and China would begin market access negotiations on goods, services and investment in December this year."

China is Australia's second-largest merchandise trading partner and export market. Total merchandise trade grew to $41.3 billion on 2005/06, up 26 per cent on 2004/05.

Following JMEC, Mr Truss will host a business forum and meet Australian business and industry groups with interests in China.

JMEC is Mr Truss's first official engagement as Minister for Trade following his appointment on 29 September.

Media Inquiries: Minister Truss' office 02 6277 7420 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555