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ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA

Subscriber Update

 

Update 1 – 31 March 2005

First Round of Negotiations

Trade officials from ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand met in Melbourne on 21-22 February 2005 to prepare for the launch of negotiations. This was followed by the first full round of talks in Manila on 20 March.  The discussions made important progress in establishing the structure and timelines to take forward negotiations.  Key outcomes from Melbourne included the establishment of a Trade Negotiating Committee to oversee and coordinate the FTA process.  The Melbourne meeting also began the important process of exchanging information about our respective trade regimes and FTA negotiating experiences.

In Manila negotiators also agreed to establish working groups on all aspects of the FTA negotiations – covering goods, services, investment, legal issues, rules of origin and economic cooperation.  This early agreement on a comprehensive structure for the negotiations was an important outcome for Australia. It provides a clear and focused way forward for negotiators, and ensures all issues are on the table from the outset of the negotiations.  It will also enable negotiators to gain a better understanding of the sensitivities of other parties, and explore options for making progress on difficult issues.

Submissions and Comment

To date, over 70 submissions have been received from industry, states and territories, NGOs and community groups - including some made as part of the Malaysia FTA Scoping Study process.  The submissions have highlighted important areas for consideration in our negotiations, and provided detailed information on the barriers and other issues related to Australia’s trade and investment with ASEAN countries.

Industry and public comment will continue to play an important role in the development of Australia’s position on key issues in the negotiations, and the Asia Trade Task Force would encourage all stakeholders to make a contribution. Contributions can take the form of either a formal submission or more informal comment on product or sector specific barriers faced in ASEAN member countries and other issues relating to the FTA. Informal and formal submissions can be sent to:

E-mail: asean_fta@dfat.gov.au
Fax:      (02) 6261 3541
Post:     Asia Trade Task Force

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
R. G. Casey Building,
John McEwen Crescent
BARTON ACT 0221

For general enquiries about the FTA process, you can also call the Asia Trade Task Force on (02) 6261 2956.

Public Consultations

Members of the Asia Trade Task Force and other senior DFAT officials have embarked on a process of consultations with representatives of Australian businesses, State Governments, unions, NGOs, community groups and individuals.  The purpose of these public consultations is to inform stakeholders of progress in the negotiations, encourage submissions, and hear views on the opportunities and challenges currently faced in ASEAN markets.  The consultations will supplement the information received in submissions, and assist the Task Force to gain a better understanding of the interests and concerns of the Australian community.  So far, meetings have been held in Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, Melbourne and Sydney.

The Task Force will continue to hold consultations throughout all stages of the negotiations.  In April, the Task Force will be meeting with interested groups in:

To find out about participating in these consultations email the Task Force: asean_fta@dfat.gov.au or call (02) 6261 2956

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More information on the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA