Media release from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

D8 / 20 April 2005

Australia - China FTA: Call for Public Submissions

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is inviting public submissions on issues relevant to the negotiation of a free trade agreement (FTA) between Australia and China.

On 18 April 2005, Prime Minister John Howard and China's Premier Wen Jiabao agreed to commence free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between Australia and China.  The decision to proceed to negotiations follows completion of a joint FTA feasibility study that showed there would be substantial economic and trade benefits to each side from an FTA.

The Government accords high priority to the views and expertise of all stakeholders with interests in our commercial relationship with China and will consult widely throughout the negotiations.

Interested parties are encouraged to lodge submissions by Friday 17 June 2005.  All submissions will be made publicly available on the DFAT website unless the author specifies otherwise.

Submissions or comments may be lodged electronically to chinafta@dfat.gov.au or by post at the following address:

China FTA Task Force
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
RG Casey Building
John McEwen Crescent
Barton ACT 0221

Fax:(02) 6112 2468

More information on the Australia-China FTA negotiations, including a copy of the Australia-China joint FTA Feasibility Study

Media Inquiries: Justin Lee, DFAT Media Liaison 02 6261 1555