China, Australia hold fourth round of FTA talks
March 01, 2006
China, Australia hold fourth round of FTA talks
China and Australia held their fourth round of talks on a free trade agreement (FTA) Monday in Canberra.
The two sides finished opinion exchange and information collection during the first three round of talks, and this round marks the beginning of a substantial stage, Zhang Xiangchen, director of WTO Affairs Department of the Ministry of Commerce and head of the Chinese delegation, told People’s Daily reporter on Feb. 26.
Chief negotiator of the Australian side Ric Wells said on Feb. 24 that Australia aims at one goal for this round of talks, that is, the two sides can formally exchange specific suggestions and demands in June and July, and begin to settle on negotiation details.
Due to structural differences between the two economies, experts say, the talks will focus on agriculture, service and Australia-interested investment.
By People’s Daily Online
