CANBERRA - Australia officially assumes the presidency of the G20 on Sunday, eyeing to promote stronger economic growth and more employment.

“Hosting the G20 in 2014 is a big opportunity and a big responsibility for Australia,” Prime Minister Tony Abbott said in a press release.

Abbott said the G20 presidency allows Australia to “help shape the global economic agenda for the benefit of all countries, and provides the opportunity to showcase the best of our nation.”

Abbott noted that G20’s membership includes most of Australia’s largest trading partners -- particularly those in the Asia-Pacific with whom Australia already has close and valued relationships.

Apart from economic growth and employment, Australia’s G20 presidency in 2014 will also focus on making the global economy more resilient to deal with future shocks.Australia has invited Singapore and New Zealand to join the G20 table in 2014.

The G20 Summit is expected to be held on Nov. 15 to 16, 2014 in Brisbane, Queensland.

With 4,000 international delegates and 3,000 media anticipated to attend, it will bring global exposure to Brisbane in a way not experienced since the Commonwealth Games and World Expo of the 1980s.There will also be a dedicated Trade Ministers Meeting and a dedicated Employment Ministers Meeting as part of the G20 2014 agenda.

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman said Queensland was looking forward to hosting both the G20 Finance Ministers’ Meeting and Leaders’ Summit.

“Queensland is Australia’s most diverse and beautiful state and is known worldwide for its beautiful beaches and stunning outback, but there is so much more to offer,” Newman said.

“We look forward to having Brisbane and the entire state in the world spotlight and the economic benefits that will follow from holding the G20 Summit here.” (Xinhua)