Seminar to help Byron Bay businesses use Australia’s FTAs

I will host a seminar in Byron Bay on Wednesday, 7 November 2018 to help local businesses understand how Australia’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) can benefit them.

The free event will begin at 7.30am at the Byron at Byron Resort and Spa, and I urge all local exporters and any businesses with an interest in exporting to come along.

Among the speakers will be Pam Brook of Brookfarm, one of Australia’s leading producers of macadamia products, who will discuss her experience exporting into FTA markets.

Representatives from Austrade, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), AusIndustry, Efic and Tradestart will also provide practical exporting advice.

Australia’s FTAs with major trading partners such as China, Japan and Korea are providing significant advantages for Australian goods and services exporters.

Under the China Australia FTA (ChAFTA), tariffs on Brookfarm’s toasted muesli exports to China are now 5 per cent, down from 25 per cent. These tariffs will be eliminated altogether from 1 January 2019.

Australia’s ratification of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP-11) on 31 October means the agreement will enter into force on 30 December, delivering a tariff cut for Australian exporters in markets such as Canada and Mexico on entry into force, and another tariff cut on 1 January 2019. In the case of Japan, this second round of tariff cuts will occur on 1 April 2019.

As our FTAs reduce barriers to trade, overseas markets become more accessible for local companies that might not previously have considered exporting.

The Government has an active and ambitious agenda that includes the negotiation and implementation of new FTAs that will substantially increase Australian export opportunities over time.

With its thriving food and beverage, manufacturing, agriculture and consumer goods industries, the Byron Bay economy is well placed to exploit export opportunities.

Attendees can register for the seminar at austrade.gov.au/ftaseminars or find out more information by calling Austrade on 13 28 78 or emailing fta@austrade.gov.au