Australia-China FTA Negotiations in Beijing
	The Australian Minister for Trade, Simon Crean, announced today that the Australia-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations will resume in Beijing on 16 June. It will be the first round of the Australia-China talks to be conducted by the Rudd Government and follows the "unfreezing" of negotiations after visits to China in April by the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd and the Minister for Trade. "This will be an important round for negotiators to re-engage on working towards a high-quality, comprehensive FTA," said Mr Crean. "Negotiations will continue across all areas, including agriculture, manufactures, services, resources and intellectual property. In addition, as agreed in April, time has been set aside for discussion of early outcomes." "Australia will pursue early outcomes in services, an area where Australia has particular strengths and where Australian companies encounter a range of behind the border barriers to trade and investment." "There is no doubt negotiations will continue to be challenging as this is China's first FTA with a country that has trade interests across the board, covering services, agriculture, resources and manufactures," Australia's Minister for Trade said. 'Given the competitiveness of China's industries, there are also sensitivities on the Australian side that will need to be addressed." "While Australia recognises much work lies ahead, this is a great opportunity for us to create new opportunities for further growth in trade between Australia and China," Mr Crean said. Click Here to download Media Release Office of the Australian Minister for Trade Canberra 13 June 2008