CANBERRA, ACT, January 5 -- Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer says Australian companies can begin exporting uranium to China early this year.

Downer said Australia and China had ratified a Australia-China Nuclear Transfer Agreement, and the Nuclear Cooperation Agreement through an exchange of Diplomatic Notes in Beijing.

"The agreements will enter into force 30 days after ratification," he said.

"Accordingly, the legal framework for Australian uranium producers to commence exports to China is expected to be in place early in 2007."

Downer said the timing and quantities of exports would be a matter for commercial negotiation.