Advancing Australia’s trade interests in Europe

This week I will travel to Belgium to engage in negotiations on a trade agreement with the European Union, and then onto France to advocate for Australia’s interests in the rules-based multilateral trading system.

In Brussels I will meet European Commission Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, as well as the EU Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski to progress negotiations for a trade agreement with the European Union. 

A trade agreement with the EU that strengthens our trade relationship and supports economic growth, investment, and Australian jobs is a top priority for the Australian Government.

In France, I will lead Australia’s delegation attending the annual OECD Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM), accompanied by the Assistant Minister for Trade, Senator the Hon Tim Ayres.

During the meeting we will highlight the important role that open international markets play in addressing major global challenges including rising food and energy insecurity, and climate change.

While in France, Senator Ayres and I will also host Australia’s annual informal gathering of key World Trade Organization Ministers to shape expectations for a successful 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in February 2024.

The Australian Government is strongly committed to the WTO and its framework of rules, which are critical to maintaining an open global trading system.

Australia will continue to advocate for the restoration of the WTO dispute settlement system. We will also press for progress in negotiations in areas that matter to Australian farmers and business, such as agricultural subsidies and digital trade.