Thaw continues in China trade relationship

The thaw in China Australia’s trade relationships is continuing with Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Assistant Minister for Trade Senator Tim Ayres among a group of Australian ministers attending a high-level meeting in China this week.

Only the second minister to visit China since the election – following the visit by Foreign Minister Penny Wong – Ayres will visit Hainan Island in southern China for the Bo’ao Forum, a high level meeting sometimes called the Davos of China.

Asked on ABC if he would meet Chinese political ministers Ayres said the itinerary was still being finalised, however it was an opportunity to meet political figures and ministers and officials, as well as business leaders

Ayres said: “It will be an opportunity to engage with our Chinese hosts on a range of issues, but also to support the Australian business delegation that will be out there in force.”

He agreed that there had been progress in unwinding punitive tariffs China placed on some Australian exports, including wine, during the term of the coalition government.

“It’s important not to overstate or understate the progress that’s been made to date.

“There has been progress over a select range of commodities. ”

“I mean, these are trade impediments that should never have been in place in the first place, and we are working through in a careful and methodical way.

“Given the opportunity, I’ll be making the case about all of the range of products that still have impediments in front of them.”

Ayres said he would be supported by business leaders from some of those sectors who are engaging in the conference themselves.

“I want to support the work that they are doing. As you’ve said, there has been steady progress over the term of the government as we work to stabilise the relationship with China.”

However Ayres would not be drawn on whether barley, coal or other commodities would be discussed.

I wouldn’t be on this programme, prioritising one product over another.

“But we’re going to make the case.”

Victorian Premier Dan Andrews is also travelling in China this week.

Victoria had an arrangement with China under that country’s trillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative which was scrapped by the coalition government as ‘inconsistent with Australia’s foreign policy’.

Picture: Tim Ayres