Australian exporters welcome FTA with Japan, but want reforms at home

SYDNEY – While welcoming the new Free Trade Agreement between Australia and Japan, the Export Council of Australia says domestic barriers in Australia must be addressed to ensure that Australian producers can take full advantage of the deal. Council Chairman, Ian Murray, is adamant that the Australian Government must cut red and green tape to help facilitate trade.

The Council is calling for regulatory reform to improve trade facilitation; for development of  world-class economic and physical infrastructure to improve Australia’s international competitiveness; for a commitment to prioritise investment in cohesive trade promotion which is nationally driven; and for trade in goods and services to be treated as a whole-of-government issue. www.export.org.au (ATI).