The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), has completed an agreement of co-operation with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) at a ceremony in Canberra.

The accord was signed by ACCI Chief Executive Peter Anderson, and CCPIT Deputy Director General Du Zetian.

The agreement promotes the development of mutually beneficial trade, economic, scientific and technological opportunities between Australia and China, and between ACCI and the CCPIT. It was signed on the day that the People's Republic of China celebrated its 60th Anniversary.

China is Australia's second largest merchandise trading partner. In 2008 total two-way trade was worth over $67 billion. China is Australia's second largest export destination and its largest source of imports.

ACCI said it looks forward to working with the CCPIT over coming years to further build on this important trade and investment relationship. ACCI also said that the relationships provide an opportunity to pursue support for completion of a comprehensive free trade agreement between China and Australia.

6 October, 2009