Investment opportunities in China

The Australian Government welcomesnew Chinese Government reforms to remove barriers in investment in prioritysectors, increasing opportunities for Australian investors in the world'ssecond largest economy.

China's Ministry of Commerce andNational Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) on Thursday eased rules forforeign investment in a range of sectors, as part of continued measures inopening up China's economy.

The move widens market access insectors like finance, energy, resources, agriculture, professional services,transportation and infrastructure, opening up new investment opportunities forAustralian investors and businesses.

China reiterated the opportunityfor further liberalisation and investment at the Fifth Regional ComprehensiveEconomic Partnership Ministerial Meeting in Tokyo on Sunday.

To promote business certainty, weencourage China to implement the new openings in a timely manner and bind thesenew openings in RCEP.

These new reforms will provide newimpetus for Australian investment in China and help to drive Australia'seconomic growth and job opportunities.

China is already the fifth-largestmarket for Australian investment, accounting for A$77.1 billion in 2017.

Australia and China have a broadtrading relationship under the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA),the most comprehensive agreement China has done with any developedeconomy.

China's commitment to continuingliberalisation is a positive sign for the ongoing reviews of the services andinvestment chapters under ChAFTA.

Australian business sentimenttowards China is positive with 83 per cent of businesses reporting a positiveoutlook for their China operations over the next five years, according to arecent survey from Westpac.

China is also Australia's largesttrading partner and largest source of tourists. Increasing trade, tourism andinvestment ties with China will further grow our economy and create more jobsfor Australians.