Li Keqiang works on China-Australia FTA

Chinese Vice Premier, Li Keqiang, has called for an early conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement between China and Australia.

During his three-day official visit to Australia, Li also met senior Australian government officials and signed new bilateral agreements.

Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang says China and Australia should adopt a strategic approach in their free trade negotiations. He calls for a "balanced, comprehensive and high quality" free trade deal to be struck at an early date. An agreement on a free trade deal could boost China and Australia's bilateral trade.

Li said it was important for the Chinese and Australian governments to step up policy dialogue, create a cooperative mechanism and jointly oppose protectionism in its varied forms.

The vice premier said China hoped Australia could pursue open and non-discriminatory foreign investment policies. Li pledged China would work with Australia to enhance conditions for practical cooperation between both countries' enterprises.

Li signed a memoranda of understanding on education, training and cultural heritage protection during his visit.

Australia is China's eighth largest trading partner while China is Australia's largest trading partner. Two-way trade reached 60 billion US dollars in 2008.