Media Release

Trade Minister Mark Vaile today concluded a three-day visit to Washington where he discussed progress in the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement negotiations and the Doha Round of WTO talks with US Trade Representative, Ambassador Robert Zoellick, and other key US officials.

Mr Vaile visited Washington en route to Montreal, where a meeting of key WTO ministers commences tomorrow.

The third round of negotiations towards a Free Trade Agreement was held in Honolulu from 21-25 July.

Market access was the focus of this week's talks in Honolulu, with both sides exchanging initial offers on tariff reductions. The Australian offer was designed to maximise the pressure on the US to match the very high level of ambition we have for the AUSFTA.

"We will now be making requests to the United States on market access towards the end of August. I would expect the United States to respond constructively to our requests before the fourth round of negotiations, to be held in Canberra in October," Mr Vaile said.

"Both sides are committed to finalising the negotiations by the end of 2003, as was agreed between President Bush and the Prime Minister during the Prime Minister's visit to Texas in May.

"As a result of our frank discussions on Friday, Bob Zoellick and I agreed on a timetable for the next five months - outlining the key steps needed to get this deal done.

"With the AUSFTA negotiations well underway, the Government is committed to consulting closely with industry on developments. Ongoing discussion with industry and other key stakeholders will help ensure we achieve the best possible outcome for Australia."