Visit to Europe and the UK to advance our trade diversification agenda

This week I will depart for Europe where I will visit Paris, Brussels, and Berlin to advocate for the conclusion of important negotiations for an ambitious and comprehensive Australia-European Union (EU) trade agreement.

My visit will also signal the Australian Government’s support to our friends and partners in Europe as they face challenges associated with Russia’s illegal, immoral and unjustified invasion of Ukraine.

The Australia-EU trade agreement is one of our highest trade policy priorities. When concluded, the agreement will help diversify our trade relationships, expand opportunities for Australian exporters, and support greater investment in Australia.

I will also meet with ministerial counterparts to discuss how Australia can support Europe’s energy transition, including through the development of critical minerals and green hydrogen supply chains.

In Bern, I will open the new Australian Embassy to Switzerland – a significant milestone in our bilateral relationship with Switzerland. The Embassy will work to deepen cooperation on multilateral, foreign policy, security and consular issues; and to expand our trade and investment ties.

In London, I will advance the Australia-UK free trade agreement, highlighting that Australia has completed all domestic requirements to implement the agreement, and encourage the UK to finalise remaining steps to ensure it enters into force early next year.

Throughout the visit I will engage with business groups and prospective investors to highlight the benefits of investing in Australia, as well as promoting Australia as a destination of choice for our tourism industry.