bilaterals.org logo
bilaterals.org logo

Australia


ASEAN trade talks in Wellington
The eighth round of trade talks between New Zealand, Australia and 10 Southeast Asian countries begins in Wellington on Tuesday as negotiators try to reach a deal by the end of the year.
US Alliance a distinct liability for Australia
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade report estimated that the benefits to Australia from the US FTA would be $ 9.9 billion over 20 years. That would amount to a mere $26.05 per person per year. Common sense suggests that it would be ridiculous to bargain away Australia’s sovereignty for such a “benefit”.
Thai shrimp exporters fear new health rules in Australia
Thai shrimp farmers have urged the government to speed up negotiations with Australia over its proposed health and safety standard before it comes into effect on February 21.
Corporate boss leads charge for free trade
Fujio Mitarai, the Nippon Keidanren chairman who leads a powerful business mission to Australia at the weekend, belongs to the Japanese establishment’s inner elite. His position is often described as "prime minister of business".
ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand move closer to free trade agreement
Negotiations for an ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand free trade agreement will resume in Wellington in March.
Unbundling water from land
In excluding water from GATS but not from the Australia-US FTA, we have simply swapped one lot of water lords for another.
Japanese minister’s shady deals cloud free trade talks with Australia
The Japanese cabinet minister expected to play a critical role in free trade negotiations with Australia is in trouble for the second time in four months over shady political financing.
Australia-China Trade and Economic Framework (2003)
Framework agreement establishing basis to study feasibility of a bilateral FTA
APEC ’too busy’ for free trade deal, says Canberra
Australia has dismissed plans for an APEC free trade agreement, arguing that member countries are too busy cementing other trade deals to give it serious attention.
FTA with Gulf States promises substantial benefits
After the suspension of FTA negotiations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2006, the Australian Government commissioned a study by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade into the merits and feasibility of an FTA with the GCC. Minister for Trade, Warren Truss, said the study found that an FTA would maximise Australia’s long-term commercial interest in the GCC.
Fears FTA brings in contaminated blood
Road crash victims and haemophiliacs were at risk of contracting blood-borne diseases such as HIV under the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (FTA), an academic warned today.
Farmers plead with govt over Japan FTA
Australian farmers have pleaded with the federal government not to forget them when it meets with Japan for negotiations on a free trade agreement next year.
Aust, Japan free trade agreement likely worth billions
Despite growing concern in Japan over the impact a free trade agreement could have on local farmers, Prime Minister John Howard and his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe have agreed to begin formal negotiations in the new year. Mr Howard says agriculture will be included.
Scaling the Andes for free trade
Another day, another free trade negotiation. Two days after announcing a study into a free trade agreement with South Korea, Trade Minister Warren Truss revealed Australia will start negotiating an FTA with Chile.
Shrimpers cry foul over new Australia ban
Thai shrimpers yesterday submitted a letter to protest against Australia’s ban on shrimp imports even before its import risk analysis is completed. Viewing the move as unfair, Thai officials will also discuss the issue at a forum on the Thailand-Australia free trade agreement next week.
Australia and S Korea to study FTA
Australia and South Korea have agreed to begin private feasibility studies ahead of possible full negotiations on a free trade deal.
Japan approves FTA talks with Australia
Cabinet ministers for international trade matters have approved a joint report submitted by Japanese and Australian experts recommending initiating talks on a bilateral free trade agreement, government officials said.
Joint study for enhancing economic relations between Japan and Australia, including the feasibility or pros and cons of a free trade agreement
The study group concluded that a comprehensive and WTO-consistent EPA/FTA would bring about considerable benefits to both countries.
Malaysia, Australia set no date for delayed FTA deal
The leaders of Malaysia and Australia declined to set a date for the completion of a free-trade deal due to have been agreed by mid-2006, saying the negotiations should not be hurried.
Japanese farmers oppose FTA with Australia
Australia’s proposed Free Trade Agreement with Japan is facing stiff opposition from Japanese farmers. The deal, if finalised, would be Australia’s largest bilateral trade agreement, and could open the traditionally closed Japanese market to Australian agricultural products. But Japanese farmers say the deal puts their futures at risk.