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Download China and Australia should deepen cooperation and provide a fair and friendly investment environment for each other's enterprises, Vice-Premier Li Keqiang said on Tuesday. During a meeting with visiting Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr, Li called for respect for each other's core interest and proper resolution of differences, saying moving China-Australia ties to a higher stage would contribute to peace, stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region and the world. Carr, on his first visit to China after taking office in March, reiterated Canberra's commitment to the Australia-China Joint Statement signed in 2009 of strengthening cooperation in various fields. Carr on Tuesday also launched this year's Australian celebration activities for the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and China. Regardless of which party takes power, Canberra always attaches great importance to the development of China-Australia ties, Carr said when addressing the launching ceremony. Despite the tight fiscal situation, Australia still decided to establish a consulate in Chengdu, capital city of Southwest China's Sichuan province, Carr said. China is by far Australia's biggest trading partner with two-way trade worth $113 billion representing about 25 percent of Australia's total trade volume, according to official statistics. In addition to traditional investments in resources and energy, Australia is beginning to see more investment in agriculture and financial services, Carr noted. | 
