Australia-Japan Free Trade Agreement: Good Momentum Sustained

The Australian Minister for Trade Warren Truss welcomed the successful conclusion of the second negotiating round of the Australia-Japan free trade agreement held in Tokyo from 6 to 10 August.

“The positive and constructive approach that characterised the first negotiating round has continued at the second round and we have made good progress in all of the areas being discussed in the FTA,” Mr Truss said.

“At this round we began intensive discussions on the comprehensive menu of issues we agreed at the first round. This involved 18 sessions over five days including sessions on goods (agriculture and industrials), services, investment as well as issues such as government procurement, e-commerce, competition policy and intellectual property.”

“Discussions on aspects of market access commenced in a preliminary way. There were sessions on the structure of the goods and services chapters and we began discussing trading arrangements for some agriculture and non-agriculture products, as well as services.”

Mr Truss said in all of the areas being discussed Australia and Japan agreed on next steps. This will include tabling text for many of the possible chapters of the FTA at the next negotiating round.

“The second negotiating round has reinforced both sides commitment to working intensively to achieve a high quality FTA and progress the negotiations.”

The next rounds of talks will be held in Australia in early November.

Australian negotiators will continue to hold extensive consultations with industry and other interested groups.

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