Minister for Trade welcomes WTO market access deal with Kazakhstan
The Minister for Trade, Simon Crean, has welcomed the completion overnight of bilateral market access negotiations with Kazakhstan as part of its application to join the World Trade Organization (WTO).
“The bilateral agreement signed in Geneva today will improve trading conditions for Australian exporters and enhance access to Kazakhstan’s market once Kazakhstan becomes a member of the WTO,” he said.
The deal covers key Australian export interests on both goods and services.
“Australia and Kazakhstan enjoy a developing bilateral relationship,” Mr Crean said.
The deal will lock in current low tariffs and contribute to improved market access for goods such as meat and dairy products, sugar, wool, fruit and nuts, wheat, barley and telecommunications equipment. On services, there are gains for mining services and greater certainty for Australian contractors supplying services in the market.
Merchandise trade between Australia and Kazakhstan doubled in 2007-08 to $36 million.
A number of Australian companies are pursuing investment opportunities in Kazakhstan’s mining, oil and gas and services sectors. There is also growing Australian interest in Kazakhstan’s infrastructure development, agriculture and education sectors.
Kazakhstan has still to complete bilateral negotiations with some other WTO members, including the United States, and continues to negotiate the overall terms of its membership of the WTO.
Media Inquiries: Mr Crean's office 02 6277 7420 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555