Appointment as Minister for Trade and Investment

I am honoured to be sworn in today as Australia's Minister for Trade and Investment.

Increasing trade and investment is at the heart of the Turnbull Coalition Government's plan to boost jobs and growth.

Increased exports from Australia, and more investment into Australia, means a higher standard of living for all Australians. Today, one in five Australian jobs is related to trade.

The Coalition has a strong track record in advancing trade and investment opportunities for Australians and Australian businesses – bilateral Free Trade Agreements with our top five trading partners were all concluded by Coalition governments.

As Minister for Trade and Investment, I will be focused on furthering this record of achievement, for which my immediate predecessor The Hon Andrew Robb AO MP has made a most significant mark. I am delighted Mr Robb has been appointed Special Envoy for Trade to mentor me and assist the Government with his contacts and experience.

I will also be focused on supporting Australian businesses to make the most of the trade and investment opportunities available to them.

Today I depart for the United States for the Australia United States Business Week to promote Australia as an investment destination to our biggest capital market. United States investors already account for more than $750 billion of investment stock in Australia.