In Focus
Trade Figures Confirm China and Japan as Top Trade Partners
Recent Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows that in 2007 China became Australia's largest two-way trading partner (imports and exports of both goods and services).
Total trade with China in 2007 grew 15 per cent to $58.0 billion. Australia’s exports of goods to China rose 17 per cent to $23.8 billion, while services exports grew 18 per cent to $3.9 billion on the back of strong growth in Chinese student enrolments.
Japan will continue to be Australia’s largest export destination for the foreseeable future. Total two-way trade with Japan was worth $54.5 billion in 2007.
Australian Assistance for Victims of Cyclone Nargis in Burma
Australia will provide $3 million in immediate humanitarian assistance to the people of Burma affected by Cyclone Nargis.
Trade Ministers Committed to Concluding ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement
The Trade Minister, Simon Crean, has welcomed the strong commitment expressed by ministers to conclude the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) negotiations at their next meeting in August in Singapore.