APEC Automotive Dialogue Report to APEC Ministers

Media release from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

D20

APEC Ministers meeting in Shanghai last week welcomed the report and achievements
of the APEC Automotive Dialogue in securing ongoing reform in the industry
in the APEC region.

The report was delivered by the Chair of the Dialogue, Ian Grigg AM.

Underlining the importance of the industry to regional economies, Mr Grigg
said the automotive industry was the largest manufacturing industry in the
region affecting the lives of millions of people and was an important vehicle
for attracting investment. Around 60% of global production occurs
in the APEC region representing 35 million vehicles in 2000.

Referring to liberalisation of regional automotive markets, Mr Grigg pointed
to the advances already made through voluntary liberalisation and the removal
of local content rules. �Additional liberalisation on a step-by-step
basis is needed,� said Mr Grigg.

�The Dialogue has also obtained APEC approval for a quality control project
for regional component suppliers. Working groups have been established
to explore issues in greater depth particularly market access, economic
and technical cooperation, information technology, harmonisation of technical
regulations, customs and the environment,� said Mr Grigg.

The Dialogue, which held its first meeting in 1999, brings together senior
industry and government representatives from the key APEC automotive manufacturing
economies. The forum provides a unique opportunity for participants
to discuss policy issues relating to the future development of the industry
in the APEC region.

Further inquiries: Lyndall Sachs, DFAT Media Liaison, 02 6261 1555 /
Richard Bush, DFAT Auto Task Force, 02 6261 3678