China is Australia’s largest overall trading partner, our second largest export market for goods, and our third largest market for services.

China is also the largest source of overseas students studying in Australia.

Two–way trade in goods and services grew 15pc in 2007 to reach $58 billion.

The mission includes world leaders in clean energy, such as wind energy developer Roaring 40s from Tasmania, and the University of NSW, which is developing partnerships with Chinese institutions on photovoltaic solar cells.

In Beijing, Mr Crean will meet China Commerce Minister Chen Deming and other senior Chinese officials to investigate:

• Options for concluding the WTO Doha Round and

• Reinforcement of Australia's commitment to intensifying negotiations for a high-quality, comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with China.

“This meeting will build on the agreement reached during the Prime Minister’s and my visit to Beijing in April to unfreeze the FTA negotiations, and will follow a number of highly constructive discussions I held with Minister Chen in Geneva late last month on the WTO Doha Round of trade negotiations,” Mr Crean said.

Mr Crean will promote Australia’s clean energy capabilities through a keynote address to Chinese government officials and representatives of leading Chinese energy companies at a high-level Clean Energy seminar.

“Business Club Australia will bring more than 3000 Australian, Chinese and other international businesspeople together at targeted business matching events, covering sectors such as financial services, the sports and events industry and environmental services,” Mr Crean said.

“Reflecting their world recognised sports facility design, construction and management expertise, Australian companies have already been successful in winning a number of contracts for the 2012 London Olympics.