CRI听力：Trade to Be the Center Piece of Talk in Beijing: Rudd

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says trade will be a major focus of discussions in his upcoming visit to China.

The MAndarin-Speaker's first major overseas tour will also take Rudd to the United States, Britain, Belgium and Romania.

CRI's Australia correspondent Chen Feng has more details.

Reporter:

Before starting his five nation tour, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivered a speech at the East Asia Forum in Sydney.

In this speech, Kevin Rudd emphasized the importance of cementing partnership in the Asia Pacific region in organizations including APEC, the ASEAN Regional Forum and the East Asia Summit.

The Prime Minister said trade will be a major focus of discussions in Beijing, and he will try his best to push for a free-trade negotiation.

Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith introduced that the prime minister will talk to leaders of visiting countries on global economic issues, which may concern Australia.

"The United States, China, Europe, to a less extent, have the potential for fundamental impact on our economy. Either in trading sense, China, now one of our largest trading partners. The Unites States in terms of investment, capital investment in Australia, And Europe, both in terms of trade and investment. So if there is a tightening of international economic activity, it does have the potential for deteriorating effect on Australia."

Kevin Rudd will focus on issues of financial stability, climate change and anti-terrorism while . talking with world leaders.

Prime Minister Rudd hoped his visit will help enhance the role of Australia in the international arena.

"The truth is that Australia's voice has been too quiet for too long across the various councils of the world. That is why during the course of the next three years, the world will see an increasingly activist Australia, an increasingly activist Australian international policy in areas, where we believe we may be able to make a positive difference."