Free trade deal a game-changer

Agreement between China and Australia would tap potential of complementary economies and promote Asia-Pacific integration

Among the series of agreements China and Australia reached on Monday to deepen bilateral ties, the two sides' announcement that they have practically completed negotiations on a free trade agreement heralds a big boost to the two economies and the Asia-Pacific region at large.

There have been signs in the past months that the two countries have been quickening their FTA negotiations. Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has said on several occasions this year his country expects to sign an FTA with China by the end of the year and high-ranking Chinese officials have welcomed his remarks.