Amid growing concerns about the impact of foreign investment in Australia, Bob Carr says Australia's federal government welcomes overseas direct investment, especially from China.
Carr's comments come just over a week ahead of his first trip to China as Australia's foreign minister.
"China's investment in Australia has grown; it's grown in strategic sector of economy. For example, in mining, there is huge Chinese investment now in the mining sector. Australia's got a very open investment plan, this is true of foreign direct investment originating in China."
Carr also says governments of different states in Australia are committed to employment and economic growth, which he says is powered by Chinese investment.
Statistics show the Australian mining industry still remains the focus of foreign investment, reaching 55 billion Australian Dollars, or over 350 billion RMB, in the fiscal year 2010-2011.
With investment of 15 billion Australian dollars directly from Chinese investors, China now stands as Australia's third largest source of foreign investment in Australia following the United States and Britain.
Aside from economics, Carr says his first official trip to China as the Australian Foreign Minister will focus on trying to shore-up the Australia-China relationship.
"I'm proud to be saying that today I will be visiting China as foreign minister of Australia. The bilateral relationship is very very important for both countries. We'll soon be reaching the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between and China. And Australians of my age remember that Gough Whitlam would open diplomatic relations between Australia and China."
Carr is due to begin his trip to China on May 13th.
For CRI, I'm Chen Xi, Sydney Australia.
