Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has urged China to stay the course on its "long journey" toward open markets and the rule of law.
Addressing a lunch of almost 2,000 Australian and Chinese businesspeople in Shanghai, Mr Turnbull said the structural changes occurring in China's economy were driving parallel changes in Australia's economy.
China's transition to a more consumption rather than production-driven economy presented extraordinary opportunities for Australia, some of which were already being delivered thanks to the free-trade agreement that came into force in December.
That had caused Australia's own economy to shift, from a focus on mining investment to services - services China's growing middle class needed and wanted.
But more hard work was needed to expand business links as both economies transitioned.
"I am here to help Australian exporters open doors which had been locked," Mr Turnbull said.
"China's own long journey towards open markets and rule of law will be worth the challenges along the way.
"Freedom, enterprise, open markets, embrace of the global community in all its diversity - those are the qualities that have delivered progress, rising living standards and growth."
Earlier on Thursday, Turnbull has declared 2017 the year of Australian/Chinese tourism, with events and initiatives in both countries aimed at encouraging visitors at either end.
Australia will be rolling out the red carpet for Chinese tourists with a string of initiatives to entice the nation's growing middle class to come spend their money Down Under.
"The more Chinese come to Australia, Australians go to China, the closer we become together, the better we understand each other," he told reporters at Shanghai's Expo Centre on Thursday.
China is Australia's most valuable tourism market, contributing $8.3 billion to the economy with more than one million visitors last year.
A $6 million agreement focused on advertising and data sharing signed between Tourism Australia and Air China on Thursday morning aims to ensure they keep on coming in droves.
Australia will trial changes to visa applications in a bid to entice more travellers, including:
* Reducing the number of visa categories from eight to two making it easier for Chinese students to study in Australia
* 10-year validity visas
* Visa applications in Mandarin (first time it's been in another language)
A new smartphone-friendly digital platform will focus on selling Australia to China's 700 million smartphone users.
"It makes Australia more accessible, more available, more compelling as a tourism destination," Mr Turnbull said.
Tourism Australia and Air China have signed a $6 million advertising and data sharing agreement.
He also unveiled a plan to expand AFL in China, with a game to be played in Shanghai during the 2017 season.
Mr Turnbull said it was the first time an AFL game would be played outside Australasia for premiership points.
Port Adelaide will be one of the teams involved.
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