The Australia-Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement (A-HKFTA) and associated Investment Agreement (IA) entered into force on 17 January 2020.
About A-HKFTA and IA
This free trade agreement and associated investment agreement launched a new chapter in economic relations between Australia and Hong Kong. The agreements provide Australian businesses greater certainty to trade and investment activities in Hong Kong. They also reaffirm the value Australia places on the high degree of autonomy enjoyed by Hong Kong through the “One Country, Two Systems” framework.
Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, and it is an attractive export destination for Australia. In 2023, Hong Kong was Australia’s 12th most important destination for merchandise exports ($9.8 billion) and eighth-largest services export market ($2.9 billion). Hong Kong was our fifth largest source of total foreign investment, with a stock of $147 billion at the end of 2023. Hong Kong was our 10th largest destination for total Australian investment, with a stock of $75 billion at the end of 2023.
The Australia-Hong Kong FTA and IA strengthen Australia’s relations with one of its most significant trade and investment partners. The A-HKFTA and IA provide increased certainty for Australian service providers and investors. They lock in continued access to the Hong Kong Market for Australian exporters of education, financial and professional services, as well as guarantee that Hong Kong will not apply tariffs to Australian goods in the future.
Making the most of the Australia-Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement and associated Investment Agreement
To help you make the most of A-HKFTA and IA, you can read the:
- A-HKFTA and IA outcomes documents that summarise the main outcomes
- Guide to using A-HKFTA to export or import goods
- FTA Portal, which is a comprehensive resource for exporters, importers of goods and services providers looking to explore the benefits of Australia’s current free trade agreements
- Doing business with Hong Kong guide – for more information about doing business in Hong Kong and Hong Kong’s business culture.