SAN FRANCISCO: Australia has secured prime spot on what Chinese President Xi Jinping has described as the modern-day Silk Road, with a free trade agreement giving Australian businesses unrivalled access to China’s massive rise.
In a speech to Federal Parliament aimed at reshaping China’s reputation with its vital trading partner, Mr Xi spelt out enormous opportunities for Australia after the trade deal.
He said China’s economy would double by 2020 from what it was in 2010, alongside a boom in Chinese foreign investment, of which Australia will get a big slice as a preferred partner.
Education, finance and legal services were tipped to make gains. Operators of Australian-owned hospitals and aged care would now be able to operate freely in China…