Media Release
9 October 2009
Trade Minister Simon Crean to visit the United States for Trade and Economic Talks
The Minister for Trade, Simon Crean, will today depart for the United
States to attend the Global Services Summit in Washington and to co-chair
the Australia-United States Ministerial Trade Talks (AUSMINTT) with United
States Trade Representative, Ron Kirk.
During the visit, Mr Crean will underline the importance of responding to
the recent Leaders’ directions from the G20 Pittsburgh Summit.
“The designation of the G20 Leaders’ process as the premier forum for
international economic cooperation was an historic moment for global
governance,” Mr Crean said.
In Pittsburgh G20 Leaders called for WTO members to engage directly with
each other on the Doha Round of international trade negotiations. This
must now occur expeditiously Mr Crean said “so that outstanding matters can
be resolved and Doha concluded in 2010”.
Mr Crean’s attendance at the Global Services Summit will provide an
opportunity to reiterate to governments, industry and other stakeholders
that a strong services package must be part of a balanced Doha outcome.
“The service sector is a major contributor to Australia’s economic
prosperity and the Doha Round offers the potential to open up significant
new service export markets for Australian service providers” said Mr Crean.
The 2009 AUSMINTT will be the first such annual meeting with Ambassador
Kirk and the Obama Administration.
Mr Crean said “the meeting presents a timely opportunity to further advance
opportunities and cooperation under the Australia US Free Trade Agreement
in areas of mutual interest, and to engage on a range of core strategic and
trade policy issues, including regional integration in the Asia Pacific
region.”
Minister Crean will also accompany Congressman David Camp, Ranking Member,
House Ways and Means Committee, on a tour to Midland in Congressman Camp’s
Michigan electorate. This tour will provide the opportunity to meet with
US businesses in agriculture and solar manufacturing industries.
In New York, Minister Crean will meet with economic and trade analysts to
discuss developments in the US and global economy.
In Washington, he will also meet with members of the US Government
Administration, Senators, Congressmen, and other Government officials to
discuss trade and economic policy issues.
Trade plays a dynamic role in the Australian and US economies. Two-way
goods and services trade was worth $54.7 billion in 2008, with Australian
goods exports up 20.9 per cent from 2007. Two-way investment is strong, at
$813 billion by end 2008.
Media Enquiries: Minister's Office (Clinton Porteous) 0403 369 588 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555