Business leaders mission jets into China

Trade Minister Steve Ciobo says there are tremendous oppourtunities for Australian businesses in China, as the largest trade mission gets underway.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, talks with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull at the APEC Summit (AAP) Source: AAP

A delegation of 1000 Australian business leaders has jetted into China to talk up opportunities between the two countries.

The largest trade mission gets under way on Monday, with Malcolm Turnbull to make his first visit to China as prime minister later in the week.

"There is tremendous opportunity in China for Australian businesses," Trade Minister Steve Ciobo told ABC radio on Monday ahead of the talks.

Chinese investment in Australia has grown 60 per cent to $15 billion as investors continue to buy real estate and expand into new areas such as healthcare.

A joint KPMG-Sydney University report shows that Chinese investment in 2015 reached its second highest level, behind the peak year of 2008, with investors taking advantage of the lower Australian dollar.

Investment in real estate continues to dominate, accounting for $6.85 billion, or 45 per cent, of total Chinese investment in Australia.