China and Australia may conclude a decade of negotiations on a free-trade agreement by the end of this year, Australian officials said following talks between Xu Shaoshi, Chairman of China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and Australia’s Treasurer Joe Hockey. “Both governments are determined to bring it to completion later this year,” said Australian Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Robb. The complex negotiations, which include agricultural tariffs and quotas, manufactured goods, foreign investment and services, have not gone smoothly. Robb, who was in Beijing for the inaugural Australia-China Strategic Economic Dialogue, said one of the most difficult parts was agriculture. Measures under discussion also include the appointment of a yuan clearing bank in Australia. China is now Australia’s largest two-way trading partner in goods and services, valued at more than USD150 billion in 2013. China is also Australia’s largest export market for goods, valued at USD95 billion in 2013. Trade and Investment Minister Robb also said that Australia welcomes more Chinese investment in northern Australia.