Visit to the United Kingdom
This week I will visit London to strengthenAustralia's trade, tourism and investment relationship with the United Kingdom.
WhileBrexit will change the framework for our engagement with the UK, it will notalter its foundations –which are underpinned by our shared heritage, common values, andclosely-aligned strategic outlook.
Iwill meet with UK Secretary of State for International Trade, the Rt Hon LiamFox MP, to discuss the state of Brexit negotiations.
TheTurnbull Government welcomes the Brexit White Paper that confirms a free tradeagreement with Australia remains a priority for the UK. Australia has beenpreparing for negotiations through the Trade Working Group established inSeptember 2016.
InLondon I will attend the inaugural Australia-UK Leadership Forum, which willbring together leaders from government, business, academia and the arts, todeepen the relationship between our countries. The Forum aims to enable greater cooperationand sharing of ideas to address economic challenges, with a particular focus ontrade, investment and productivity.
TheUK is Australia's second largest source of total foreign investment, valued at$481.4 billion in 2017. In London I will launch a report with the UK's Ministerfor Investment, the Rt Hon Graham Stuart MP, which captures the spirit andpotential of the Australia-UK investment relationship.
Growingour trade and investment with the UK, and attracting more British tourists toAustralia, will help drive economic growth and create new jobs.