Australia expressed optimism on the potential removal of all remaining trade barriers with China by the upcoming month, highlighting improving relations between the two significant trading partners. This positive outlook follows Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's recent visit to Beijing.
The Albanese administration has been proactive in mending Australia's relationship with China since taking office last year. Most notably, China has already lifted the majority of trade restrictions initially imposed in the midst of a diplomatic dispute in 2020, which stemmed from Australia's call for an inquiry into the origins of COVID-19.
Australia's Trade Minister, Don Farrell, shared his confidence in the situation, stating, "I remain very confident... that by Christmas all of these trade impediments will be removed." He underscored the government's commitment to reestablishing a stable relationship with its largest trading partner.
In addition to these positive developments, Farrell expressed his intentions to address remaining concerns regarding lobster and beef, which are related to biosecurity regulations. These issues are slated to be on the agenda for discussions with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Wentao, during their meeting in San Francisco.
As the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings continue in San Francisco, Australia remains hopeful about the prospects of further enhancing its trade ties with China and building a more stable and mutually beneficial partnership.
