Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Keith Pitt launched promotional videos today outlining the benefits of Australia’s North Asia Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and encouraging businesses to attend free information seminars.
“Our three North Asia FTAs – the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA), Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (JAPEA) and Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA) – provide unprecedented access to more than a billion potential customers for Australian goods and services,” Mr Pitt said.
“They’re giving our exporters a significant competitive edge, so it’s important that businesses all round Australia understand the benefits and how to access them,” Mr Pitt said.
The videos, available through YouTube and on the Austrade website, provide an overview of the North Asia FTA benefits with links to information about upcoming FTA seminars in urban and regional areas across Australia.
The 80th FTA Seminar, organised by Austrade with participation from the Department of Foreign Affairs and other agencies, is scheduled for Bundoora in Victoria on Monday, 21 August, followed by Warrnambool on 22 August and Devonport in Tasmania on 23 August.
Mr Pitt has personally hosted 18 information seminars so far and will be present at all three upcoming events next week.
“We’re reaching out to businesses all around Australia, in the regions and the cities, to help them make the most of the new opportunities our FTAs provide,” Mr Pitt said.
“The feedback we’re receiving is that businesses really value the opportunity to hear from and interact with Australian Government officials and fellow businesses.
“Our seminars, and now these videos, are designed to help, in particular, small and medium-sized businesses begin planning their move into North Asia or expand existing export activity.
“I strongly encourage businesses to view these videos and attend a seminar near them to find out more.”