Commerce minister Wang Wentao said virtual talks held on Monday with Australian counterpart Don Farrell were a key step toward bringing bilateral economic and trade ties back on track, with relations improving after being strained in recent years.

Wang said Beijing is willing to restart the mechanism facilitating dialogue with Australia on economic and trade issues and to expand cooperation in emerging areas including climate change and the new energy sectors.

"At present, the economic and trade relations between the two countries are facing an important window period... the meeting is a significant step to push China and Australia economic and trade relations back on track," Wang was quoted in a statement by the ministry on Monday, following a virtual meeting between the two ministers.

Wang described the two countries as important economic and trade partners, with a highly complementary economic structure, making cooperation mutually beneficial.

The exchanges between the two ministers were "professional, pragmatic and candid", according to the statement.

Wang invited Farrell to visit China at an appropriate time.

Canberra is also willing to work with Beijing to enhance mutual trust and resolve differences through candid dialogues, according to the statement. (Reuters)
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Last updated: 2023-02-06 HKT 17:05