Taking trade and investment with France to a new and better place

Today, I was delighted to meet with Mr Olivier Becht, the French Minister-Delegate in charge of Foreign Trade, Economic Attractiveness and French Nationals Abroad, to advance the Australia – France economic, trade and investment relationship.

Our bilateral relationship is underpinned by shared values and substantial trade and investment ties, underscored by strong people-to-people links.

We are committed supporters of a rules-based international order, including the World Trade Organisation.

Minister-Delegate Becht and I had a very positive discussion about the growing trade and investment flows between our two countries.

France remains an attractive destination for Australian start-ups and a significant source of foreign direct investment in Australia, with French companies supporting Australian jobs and transfer of know-how.

Both Australia and France reiterated our support for concluding the Australia–European Union (EU) trade agreement negotiations. We acknowledged that an ambitious and comprehensive trade deal would provide an opportunity to boost two-way trade and investment and further strengthen the bilateral relationship.

I highlighted that Australia is a secure and reliable supplier of food, energy and mineral resources and a world-class centre for financial and other services.

With deep economic connections with Indo-Pacific partners, Australia is well positioned to act as a springboard for French firms seeking to gain access into the region.

We will continue to work together to support a low-emissions future, including through cooperation and investment in Australia’s renewable energy sector.

Australia deeply values our close relationship with France and I thank Minister-Delegate Becht for this discussion and the cordial way in which we are resetting the bilateral relationship between our two countries.