Australia-China trade ties hold vast potential

From agriculture to clean energy, Australia-China investment and business ties offer vast potential for collaboration across both traditional and emerging sectors, says a leading Australian scholar.

The relationship between Australia and China is "quite particular", underpinned by long-standing cooperation in key industries, most notably Australian iron ore exports, as well as other specialized markets such as agriculture, education and tourism, said Hans Hendrischke, a professor at the University of Sydney Business School.

The main attractions in Australia presenting significant opportunities for Chinese investment can now be seen at different levels. Apart from the traditionally strong area of iron ore, there is fresh focus on new minerals such as lithium — essential for the green energy transition and battery supply chains, Hendrischke said.