BEIJING, April 14 (Xinhua) -- China on Monday called on Australia to facilitate investment by Chinese businesses, a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said on Monday.

"We expect Australia to create a fairer environment and more convenience for Chinese business investment and operation," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a daily press briefing.

Hua's comments came days after Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott's visit to China, during which Abbott and Chinese leaders agreed to speed up negotiations on a China-Australia free trade agreement and expand trade and economic cooperation.

Hua said China-Australia collaboration in trade and investment is mutually beneficial.

"We welcome more Australian businesses' investment in China," Hua said.