Beijing, Oct 18 (IANS): Chinese Premier Li Keqiang Thursday encouraged Australian enterprises to invest in China's western regions.

Li made the comments during a meeting in Beijing with Australian Governor-General Quentin Bryce, who was invited to attend the 14th Western China International Fair, Xinhua reported.

Noting that there is great potential for China's mid-western regions, Li said China welcomes more Australian enterprises to participate in the development of the area, to help create a new chapter in China-Australia cooperation.

Speaking about Australia's infrastructure construction, Li said China has safe, reliable, advanced technology and cost advantages in high-speed railway construction and he hoped the two countries will cooperate in this regard.

He also voiced hope for the two sides to respect each other's core interests and major concerns, strengthen cooperation in various fields and make more progress in advancing bilateral relations.

Bryce said Australia is willing to increase pragmatic cooperation in all sectors with China and speed up discussions on establishing a free trade area between the two sides, increase personnel exchanges, strengthen coordination under multilateral mechanisms and achieve greater development in bilateral ties.