Australia-Japan Free Trade Agreement: A Positive Start

The Australian Government Minister for Trade, Warren Truss, today welcomed the successful conclusion of the first round of negotiations on an Australia-Japan Free Trade Agreement held in Canberra from 23-24 April.

“Officials agreed an overall approach to the negotiations and started negotiations on two key elements of an FTA – intellectual property and government procurement.” Mr Truss said.

“Australia and Japan have agreed negotiating rounds will be held every two to three months and cover a comprehensive list of issues such as goods (including agriculture), services and investment, e-commerce, movement of natural persons and competition.”

Mr Truss said he was pleased that the first negotiating round reaffirmed both sides’ commitment to a WTO-plus, comprehensive FTA, concluded through a single undertaking.

“An FTA with Australia’s largest trading partner provides an exciting opportunity to strengthen further this important economic relationship.”

The second round of negotiations is scheduled for late July in Japan.

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