FTA conference papers launched

I am pleased to launch today the papers from three conferences held in China over the past year on subjects at the heart of the Australia-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The FTA is currently under negotiation and the papers from these conferences will help to inform those discussions.

The papers will provide an excellent resource for researchers seeking a better understanding of the size and capabilities of Australia's industry, and our interest in an FTA with China. They will also assist business people looking for commercial opportunities to improve economic integration between our two countries.

The conference papers cover three conferences held in China in 2006: on services in Beijing in April, on manufacturing, intellectual property and resources in Shenzhen in June, and on agriculture in Xi'an in September.

The papers show the wide range of Australian service industries interested in closer cooperation with China. They show that Australia's small but highly efficient manufacturing base produces high-value, low-volume products. Our resource companies are among the best in the world and would like to work more closely with China to develop its resources.

On intellectual property, the papers show how Australia could like to work with China to ensure full protection of intellectual property rights for the benefit of creators and innovators in both countries.

It is clear from the conference on agriculture that Australian agriculture exports are complimentary to rather than a threat to Chinese farmers. Australian agriculture exports can assist in meeting the gap between domestic consumption and production and provide new products to increasingly demanding Chinese consumers.

Achieving a high-quality, comprehensive FTA with China remains a priority for the Australian Government. We will continue to work hard with our Chinese counterparts to achieve real progress in the negotiations before President Hu Jintao visits Australia in September this year.

These publications are a valuable resource on both countries' interests in the FTA.

The papers are available in English and Chinese on www.china.embassy.gov.au

Media Inquiries: Minister Truss' office 02 6277 7420 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555