Vaile Visit to Middle East, Europe and United States

Trade Minister Mark Vaile will visit the United Arab Emirates, France and Belgium for high-level trade talks 11-15 May before heading to the United States to sign the Australia United States Free Trade Agreement on 18 May.

Mr Vaile will meet with senior UAE figures on 11 May to discuss a possible free trade agreement between Australia and the UAE.

“I will also discuss other trade-related issues including the scheduling of the next meeting of the Australia-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission, progress in aviation relations and opportunities for Australian education providers,” Mr Vaile said.

Mr Vaile will travel to Belgium on 12 May to meet with European Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Developments and Fisheries, Dr Franz Fischler in Brussels before heading to Paris for the two-day OECD Ministerial Council Meeting, 13-14 May.

“In my meeting with Commissioner Fischler I will urge the EU to help bridge the gaps on agriculture faced by World Trade Organisation negotiators and emphasise that a significant outcome on agriculture remains crucial to the successful conclusion of the Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations,” Mr Vaile said.

“In Paris I will join ministers at the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting to discuss the global economic outlook for the coming year, and policies to maintain confidence and enhance growth.

“I will also take to opportunity to hold discussions with ministerial counterparts, including Cairns Group partners and the G20, on issues pertinent to the Doha Round negotiations, particularly on agriculture.”

During his Paris visit Mr Vaile will also address a meeting of the Australian Business in Europe (ABIE) group on the importance of Australia’s trade and economic relationship with the EU and its member states.

Mr Vaile will visit Washington 17-19 May to sign the Australia United States Free Trade Agreement and meet with senior congressional and business figures to encourage support for passage of the agreement through the US Congress.

“I will join United States Trade Representative Bob Zoellick in signing the AUSFTA on May 18 to allow the US Congress to consider the agreement by July,” Mr Vaile said.

“The government hopes to see the agreement enter into force on 1 January 2005.”

Contact: Matthew Doman (Canberra office) 02 6277 7420