Media Release

Sunday, 23 November 2003 - MVT88/2003

Vaile Heads to Washington for Further Talks

Trade Minister Mark Vaile heads to Washington today for further talks with the United States Trade Representative Robert Zoellick on the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement negotiations.

"I spoke to Bob Zoellick on the phone a week or so ago and we agreed it would be useful for us to meet again prior to the fifth round of talks between our two negotiating teams starting on 1 December," Mr Vaile said.

"Our discussions on a number of the key outstanding issues will be important in setting the scene and providing further guidance for our negotiators to enable them to achieve maximum progress in their discussions.

"When we met in Bangkok in October, Bob Zoellick and I agreed our ongoing close contact would be important to keep the momentum up in the negotiations in order to meet the target date set for concluding the negotiations. Such contact is a very important part of the negotiating process.

"I will also take the opportunity to discuss with Bob Zoellick the way forward in the World Trade Organisation Doha round of negotiations, and particularly what might be possible on agriculture in the coming months."

During his visit, 24-27 November, Mr Vaile will meet with other senior administration officials as well as a number of key Congressional figures.

"The visit also gives me the opportunity to speak to US industry leaders as part of our ongoing efforts to reinforce the very strong support there is amongst American business for the trade deal with Australia," Mr Vaile said.

Contact: Matthew Doman 02 6277 7420