Australia trade talks resume to boost ties

Agriculture remains stumbling block to deal, Canberra says

SYDNEY: Trade talks between China and Australia will restart this month despite tension surrounding the trial of a Rio Tinto executive on allegations of bribery, the Australian Minister for Trade said yesterday.

Negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) stalled more than a year ago but fresh talks to be held in Canberra, the Australian capital, could further thaw relations between the two countries. However, agriculture is still a stumbling block, said trade minister Simon Crean in Sydney.