MT135

25 August 1995

AUSTRALIA JAPAN MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE: AUTOMOTIVE TRADE AND THE JAPAN-U.S. CONCLUSION REGARDING AUTOS AND AUTO PARTS

The Australian Minister for Trade, Senator Bob McMullan, and the Japanese Minister for International Trade and Industry, Mr Hashimoto, today agreed that Japan and Australia would meet after the annual consultations on the implementation of the Final Conclusion between Japan and the U.S. regarding autos and auto parts.

Both Australia and Japan have significant interest in the international automotive trade.

The meeting between Australia and Japan will involve discussions on the evolution of the Japan-US Agreement, including possible implications for Australian trade with Japan.

Mr Hashimoto said he welcomed Australia's participation as an 'interested party' in the World Trade Organisation dispute process earlier this year.

Senator McMullan welcomed the resolution of the dispute between Japan and the US, and the Japanese statement which made public the fact that all the measures taken by the Japanese Government under the Japan-US Agreement would be available to all trading partners on an MFN (Most Favoured Nation) basis.

The Ministers said today's agreement demonstrates the importance of the growing trade and investment between Australia and Japan in automotive products, and the very direct commercial stake each has in the competitive global automotive industry.

Further information: John Flannery, (06) 277 7420

JOINT STATEMENT Australian Minister for Trade, Senator Bob McMullan Japanese Minister for International Trade and Industry, Mr Hashimoto