Media release
Wednesday 9 October 2002 - MVT124/2002
Vaile Supports Singapore's Call for Closer Regional Links
Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong's call for the Association
of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to accelerate links with Australia
are very positive and tie in closely with the Australian Government's
policies for regional engagement, Trade Minister Mark Vaile said today.
Mr Goh made the comments yesterday in his closing speech to the World
Economic Forum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
"We already enjoy close ties with ASEAN members, and have recently
established a closer economic partnership to better integrate
Australia, New Zealand and the ten members of ASEAN," Mr Vaile said.
"Closer links between ASEAN and its regional neighbours, including
Australia and New Zealand, are clearly in our joint interest if we
are to maximise the potential trade and economic benefits of regional
integration."
"Mr Goh is right - an outward and inclusive approach embracing the
main economies of the region is the best way to go.
Mr Vaile said Singapore's Free Trade Agreement (FTA) strategy corresponded
closely with the approach of the Australian Government.
"FTA negotiations with Singapore are close to finalisation. We have
begun negotiating with Thailand and have proposed negotiating an FTA
with the United States.
"I agree with Mr Goh that FTAs do not have to be exclusive. FTAs
can result in 'competitive liberalisation', whereby an FTA can help
build political momentum for other trade negotiations, not just bilaterally,
but regionally and multilaterally - especially for the global trade
negotiations at the WTO.
"Mr Goh has outlined an ambitious and positive vision for future
regional integration and co-operation. This vision acknowledges the
long and deep linkages Australia and New Zealand have with ASEAN and
the advantages of further integration for all countries in the region,"
Mr Vaile said.
Media Contact: Mark Croxford +61 02 6277 7420
Local Date:
Friday, 05-Dec-2008 13:27:43 EST
