Commonwealth Trade Ministers’ Meeting

I will attend the first ever Commonwealth Trade Ministers' Meeting in London today.

Australia is keen to expand trade and economic links within the Commonwealth and to build on the existing US$685 billion worth of annual trade between its 52 member states.

On the sidelines I will meet with the UK Secretary of State for International Trade, Dr Liam Fox, as we work towards an ambitious Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement.

Australia and the UK have already commenced scoping discussions on a future trade deal and work continues in the Trade Working Group. Our two countries are uniquely placed to set a strong and early example of how mutually beneficial trade deals should be done.

I will also meet other counterparts from Commonwealth countries to discuss ways to strengthen our trade and investment relationship.

At the Commonwealth Trade Ministers' Meeting I will encourage member states to support an international trading system that is open, transparent and based on agreed rules.

Strengthening ties with Commonwealth members will help create new exports opportunities for Australian businesses.

While in London, I will also attend a number of events related to the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, including the launch of the Queen's Baton Relay.

The Gold Coast Commonwealth Games are an important event that will help drive more tourists to Australia.