World Economic Forum

The World Economic Forum (WEF) presents a significant opportunity to promote Australia as an investment destination and engage in dialogue with the global community on major economic challenges on the horizon.

This week I will attend the WEF and meet with my Ministerial counterparts and global business leaders. I will meet with Indonesian Trade Minister, Mr Enggartiasto Lukita, to advance negotiations on the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement negotiation. I will also meet with UK Secretary of State for International Trade, Liam Fox, as we work towards the future negotiation of an Australia UK Free Trade Agreement. There will also be a meeting of World Trade Organization Ministers to discuss modernising WTO rules to keep pace with developments in the contemporary trade environment.

With our globally competitive industries, smart and skilled workforce, expertise in research and development, commitment to innovation and resilient economy, Australia stands to benefit greatly from free trade and economic globalisation.

I will promote Australia as an investment destination to the CEOs of major companies including General Electric, Glencore and Marriott. I will seek greater investment in Australia's tourism, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing industries in particular.

Our free trade agreements are giving Australian businesses a competitive advantage. This advantage is driving exports and creating Australian jobs. The 2017 World Economic Forum is the premier platform to advance and garner support for this objective.