Today Im leaving on a 4 day trip to Beijing, China to discuss a range of economic matters.

Over the course if the trip I am meeting with a range of academics, China policy specialists and representatives from global international organisations such as the International Monetary Fund.

This includes meetings with Jia Qingguo, Professor and Dean of the School of International Studies at Peking University and Dr Chu Shulong, a US-China relations policy expert.

I will also participate in a Roundtable on Chinas international outlook, hosted by Dr Wang Huiyao, Founder and President of Centre for China and Globalization, the largest independent global think tank in China.

Australia andChinas economic ties have been integral to Australias economic success over the last quarter of a century.

China is the worlds second largest economy and Australias most important trading partner.

One out of every three of Australias merchandise export dollars is due to Chinas demand while China is also now Australias most important services exports destination, with China accounting for around 19% of all Australian service exports.

The trip is sponsored by the public policy initiative China Matters and I will be accompanied by the founding director and Chief Executive Officer of China Matters, Linda Jakobson.

Underlining the importance of bipartisan support for this important economic relationship, Julian Leeser MP will also join me on the trip.

Jim Chalmers will be acting Shadow Treasurer during this time.