Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao meets with Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell, who was leading a delegation to the China International Import Expo (CIIE), in Shanghai on November 4, 2025. Photo: screenshot from China's Ministry of Commerce

Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao met with Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell, who was leading a delegation to the China International Import Expo (CIIE), in Shanghai on Tuesday. The two sides exchanged views on China-Australia economic and trade relations as well as multilateral and bilateral trade issues of mutual concern, according to the ministry’s official website.

Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, China-Australia economic and trade relations have continued to improve, with positive progress achieved in practical cooperation across various fields, Wang said. Moving forward, while consolidating cooperation in traditional areas such as energy, minerals and agriculture, both sides should further expand new growth points in service trade and green development, and actively foster a favorable business environment.

Wang noted that, under the current circumstances, China and Australia should strengthen collaboration within regional and multilateral frameworks, jointly safeguard the WTO-centered, rules-based multilateral trading system and inject greater stability and certainty into the global economy.

Farrell said that China is Australia’s largest trading partner, and this trade relationship is of great importance to the Australian economy and employment. The CIIE provides a vital platform for Australian enterprises, with a record-high number of Australian companies participating this year. 

Australia is willing to maintain close communication with China on regional and multilateral trade issues, actively promote free trade, and jointly uphold the multilateral trading system, Farrell noted.

Global Times