I will visit the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Switzerland and the United States from 19 to 26 January to pursue Australia’s economic and trade interests with government leaders, business and major international organisations.
The UAE is Australia’s largest trade and investment partner in the Middle East and meetings with my UAE counterparts and key business leaders will be aimed at identifying further opportunities for Australian companies in the UAE as well as promoting Australia as an investment destination.
I will also seek an ongoing commitment for the resumption of free trade agreement negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) which we believe would facilitate a significant increase in trade and investment within the region, including with the UAE.
My first visit to the UK as Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment comes at a crucial time in the United Kingdom’s history. Australia has a significant relationship with the UK underpinned by our shared heritage, common values, as well as our growing trade and investment ties with the UK which is our seventh largest two-way goods and services trading partner.
I will meet with Secretary of State for International Trade, Liam Fox, and Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union (EU), Stephen Barclay to discuss the implications of Brexit for Australia and how quickly we can move to formal Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations once the UK has left the EU.
I will also be making my first official visit to Brussels where I will meet with European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmström and European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan to progress negotiations on our comprehensive and ambitious FTA with the EU that will provide expanded opportunities for Australian exporters.
I will also address European Parliamentarians and business representatives on the mutual benefits of our growing economic relationship.
In Switzerland, I will attend the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos alongside ministerial counterparts, global business leaders and heads of major international organisations. This will be an opportunity to reinforce Australia’s commitment to economic openness, progress e-commerce and digital trade initiatives and promote Australia as an investment destination.
While in Los Angeles for the 16th Annual G’Day USA, I will deliver the keynote address at the inaugural Signature Australia Tourism Industry Event and discuss how we can build on the success of the recent Dundee campaign and continue to attract more US travellers to Australia. I will also host roundtables with Australian and US CEOs on venture capital and innovation, and on US-Australia trade and economic policy interests.
Media Contacts
Benn Ayre: +61 428 342 325
Kathryn McFarlane: +61 419 850 201
Authorised by Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, South Australia.