Some of America's big digital firms would still be in their school shorts if they were in human form.
That's how the technology-loving prime minister has praised the US's innovation boom in an exchange with Barack Obama.
Mr Turnbull met with the US president in Manila on Tuesday to talk mutual cooperation on trade, terrorism and regional maritime matters.
He praised how the "great champions of innovation" had developed out of the US at such rapid pace.
It was a sobering thought considering some of the world's biggest digital businesses, including those of the US, would still be at school if they were human beings, the prime minister said.
"So some of these giants would still be at primary school, Mr President. They'd still be in short pants," Mr Turnbull said.
"But they're changing the world in which we live, and it's a very exciting one." The two leaders also used the meeting to praise the mammoth Trans-Pacific Partnership pact, of which both the US and Australia are part.
Mr Obama said the two countries were strong trading partners and the new deal, which has yet to be signed, would establish high-standard trade rules.
Mr Turnbull said the agreement was a major step forward and part of his government's strategy to ensure national prosperity.
But there are concerns the president will face a tough legislative hurdle at home to realise the agreement which covers 40 per cent of the world's economy.
White House hopeful and Democrat frontrunner Hillary Clinton says she opposes the deal, which has also been criticised by Republicans in the presidential primary race.
Earlier this month, Mr Obama urged the US Congress to quickly approve the 12-nation pact early next year, saying it was essential to the American economy and national security.
On Wednesday Mr Turnbull and Mr Obama will meet with other leaders of the TPP nations on the sidelines of the APEC summit.
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