Australia to bring its 'largest ever trade mission' to China: minister

CANBERRA - Representatives from more than 1,000 Australian businesses will be part of Australia's "largest ever trade mission" to China this month, following the signing of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA).

Australia's Trade Minister Steven Ciobo said the trade mission - Australia Week in China (AWIC) - will "underscore the powerful effect of the ChAFTA" which was agreed upon in late 2015.

To be held on April 11-15, the delegation of Australian business leaders will travel to Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Shenyang and Hangzhou.

Ciobo said it would be a fantastic opportunity for Australia to showcase the best of Australia's industries to China.

"Australia Week in China (AWIC) will explore new opportunities for business arising from improved access and the tariff reductions negotiated through the ChAFTA," he said on Monday.

"Activity is scheduled across eight business streams: agribusiness, financial services, health and aged care, innovation, education, urban sustainability and water management, premium food and beverage and tourism," said the minister.

"An exciting element of AWIC will be our first ever innovation-focused program, which will bring together Australia's and China's fast-developing innovation ecosystems for the first time."

The minister said the mission would bring unprecedented benefits for Australia, with the government set to launch a tourism campaign based around Australia's coastal areas and aquatic flora and fauna.

The tour will also show off Australia as a "premium" destination for investment, education and tourism, and is expected to deliver impressive return for the Australian economy, he said.

"The first trade mission (in 2014) translated into significant trade and investment outcomes for Australia - around $760 million in export sales were generated and more than $2.4 billion in investment followed the event," Ciobo said.

"We anticipate that the breadth and scale of AWIC 2016 will generate similar outcomes and be the catalyst for significant export sales and investments into Australia, further driving jobs and growth."

He said the ChAFTA, which was signed late last year, would only continue to deliver more investment and trade opportunities between China and Australia.