20 January, 2008
Minister for Trade visit to Japan, Europe and the United States
The Minister for Trade, The Hon Simon Crean MP, will visit Tokyo, Davos, Geneva, Brussels and Washington to promote Australia's highest trade policy priority - a successful outcome from the Doha Round of trade talks at the World Trade Organization.
Substantial political will is needed to conclude the global trade talks and to harness the significant economic and trade dividend to the world economy.
As Chair of the Cairns Group, I will be working to secure an ambitious outcome on agricultural liberalisation. I will also be pressing for progress on Australia's other trade priorities, including services and manufacturing.
In Japan (20-24 January), I will meet with Japanese Ministers to discuss the Doha Round, our bilateral Free Trade Agreement negotiations and regional fora, including APEC.
In Davos (25-27 January), I will attend an informal gathering of Trade Ministers hosted by Switzerland and separately meet with ministerial counterparts engaged in the Doha Round. I will also attend a number of trade-related sessions of the World Economic Forum, including specific sessions on Asia's trade and economic development.
In Geneva (27-29 January), I will meet key WTO officials to stress the importance of concluding the Round, along with representatives of the Cairns Group. I will also meet with senior representatives of the International Labour Organization.
I will visit Brussels (29-30 January) to discuss our relationship with Europe, particularly in respect of Australia's bilateral and multilateral trade agenda.
In Washington (30 January-1 February), I will meet with the US Trade Representative, Susan Schwab, and other Administration and Congressional representatives to ascertain US views on the Doha Round.
I will also register strongly Australia's desire to see reform of US agriculture support through the next US Farm Bill and our commitment to developing the significant trade and investment relationship with the United States.
Media Inquiries: Mr Crean's office 02 6277 7420 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555