Govt sets FTA target
ABC News, Australia
Govt sets FTA target
2 May 2007
Australia is aiming to have nearly two-thirds of its exports and imports covered by bilateral or regional trade deals.
Trade Minister Warren Truss set the target when issuing a guide to Australia’s policy on free trade agreements (FTAs).
Mr Truss says the proliferation of FTAs around the world means Australia must seek such discriminatory deals or risk losing export markets.
He says Australia aims to have bilateral or regional agreements covering more than 60 per cent of its trade.
Bilateral deals are already in place with New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand and the US.
Mr Truss says separate negotiations are now going on with countries including China, Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia and for a regional deal with the 10 ASEAN states of south-east Asia.
