Taking the Australia-United Kingdom Trade Partnership to new heights

Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell and United Kingdom Secretary of State for International Trade, the Rt Hon Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP met in Adelaide today, to discuss ways of strengthening the Australia-United Kingdom economic and trade partnership.

The significant and comprehensive relationship between Australia and the United Kingdom is built on our shared heritage, common values, strong people-to-people links, closely aligned strategic outlook and interests, as well as substantial trade and investment ties.

Minister Farrell and Secretary of State Trevelyan noted the importance of progressing the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement, which will liberalise trade between our countries, and create jobs and opportunities for our citizens.

Minister Farrell and Secretary of State Trevelyan were also pleased to attend the launch of the Australian office of Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd in Adelaide.

A subsidiary of Airbus, the satellite manufacturer represents an important addition to Adelaide’s space ecosystem and shows the benefits of links between universities and industry, while strengthening the Australia-United Kingdom Space Bridge. 

Minister Farrell and Secretary of State Trevelyan reaffirmed their support for the rules-based multilateral trading system, while Australia welcomed the United Kingdom’s progress towards its accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Minister Farrell and Secretary of State Trevelyan also renewed their commitment to work together to build economic resilience post-COVID-19, including in the areas of critical minerals, frontier technologies, space, and digital trade.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell:

“I am honoured to host Secretary Trevelyan in my home state of South Australia and to have the opportunity to showcase the region’s burgeoning space, defence, hi-tech and agriculture industries.

“Australia and the United Kingdom have made substantial investments in one another, which speaks to the confidence and optimism we have in our relationship. Our economic and trade relationship will continue to grow from strength to strength with the finalisation of the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement.”

Quotes attributable to UK International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan:

"South Australia is truly a defence and space state. From seeing the British-designed Hunter Class Frigates at Osbourne Naval shipyard to the opening of Surrey Space Technology’s first Australian office - this visit has showcased how we can work together to deliver for the UK and Australia alike.

"The UK will continue to build a modern, strategic partnership with our friends and allies through a shared ecosystem of innovation and a shared industrial base of critical technology.”