29th ASEAN Economic Ministers – Closer Economic Relations Consultation

The 29th ASEAN Economic Ministers — Closer Economic Relations Consultation (AEM-CER) was held in Vientiane, Lao PDR on 21 September 2024. Economic Ministers from ASEAN Member States met Australian and New Zealand counterparts. Senator the Hon Tim Ayres, Assistant Minister for Trade, represented Australia.

Ministers welcomed the forthcoming entry into force of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA (AANZFTA) Upgrade, which will contribute to regional economic recovery and bring benefits to businesses, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. Parties recognised the Upgrade’s enhanced provisions on competition, customs procedures, trade facilitation, trade in goods, rules of origin, and investment, and ASEAN’s first-ever FTA chapter on Trade and Sustainable Development.

ASEAN Member States thanked Australia and New Zealand for ongoing AANZFTA implementation support through the Regional Trade for Development (RT4D) initiative.

Assistant Minister Ayres joined colleagues from New Zealand, Laos and Brunei to deliver opening remarks at an AANZFTA Business Roundtable hosted by RT4D to promote the Upgrade to businesses across ASEAN. 

Joint Media Statement of the Twenty Ninth AEM-CER Consultation, Vientiane, Laos PDR 21 September 2024
 

Meeting of the 21st AANZFTA FTA Joint Committee

The Twenty-First Meeting of the AANZFTA Joint Committee (21st FJC) was held in Auckland, New Zealand on 27-31 May 2024. Representatives from ASEAN Member States (AMS), Australia, and New Zealand, as well as the staff members from the ASEAN Secretariat attended the Meeting, which was co-chaired by:

1. Ms Nor Zerlina Momin, Director, Trade Division, Ministry of Finance and Economy, Brunei Darussalam, on behalf of the ASEAN Member States
2. Mr Richard Emerson-Elliot, Assistant Secretary, FTA Implementation and Inclusive Trade Branch, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for Australia
3. Mr Hamza Haidon, Unit Manager, Trade Policy Engagement Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for New Zealand.

AANZFTA Parties progressed work to support entry into force of the AANZFTA Upgrade. The FJC approved the AANZFTA Implementation Support Program (AISP) Economic Cooperation Work Plan (ECWP), which is funded by Australia and New Zealand's Regional Trade for Development (RT4D) initiative. The AISP ECWP will support technical assistance and capacity building activities on e-commerce, ISDS reform and sustainable agriculture.

AANZFTA subsidiary bodies on investment, goods and rules of origin, services, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, e-commerce and economic cooperation also met to progress implementation and workplan schedules.

Australia, ASEAN, and New Zealand sign the Second Protocol to upgrade AANZFTA

On 21 August 2023, Assistant Foreign Minister the Hon Tim Watts MP joined Ministers from New Zealand, Brunei Darussalam, and Indonesia to sign the Second Protocol to upgrade AANZFTA in Semarang, Indonesia. Since September 2020, Australian and AANZFTA Party trade negotiators have worked to further liberalise the agreement’s services and investment outcomes. The Second Protocol to upgrade AANZFTA will enter into force when Australia, New Zealand and at least four ASEAN Member States ratify.

Media release:

• Deepening economic ties with our ASEAN partners
• Joint Statement on the signing of AANZFTA [PDF]
• AANZFTA - Benefits for Australia
• Consolidated Second Protocol text [DOCX 1.3 KB] | [PDF 6.5 KB]

28th ASEAN Economic Ministers — Closer Economic Relations Consultations

The 28th ASEAN Economic Ministers — Closer Economic Relations Consultations were held in Semarang, Indonesia on 22 August 2023. Economic Ministers from ASEAN Member States met Australian and New Zealand counterparts. The Hon Tim Watts, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, represented Australia.

Ministers welcomed the signing of the upgraded ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA (AANZFTA), ensuring AANZFTA remains high standard, fit-for-purpose, relevant for business, and responsive to economic challenges. Ministers emphasised the significance of modernising AANZFTA to respond to changing global business and trade practices. Ministers expressed appreciation to Australia and New Zealand for their longstanding support to economic cooperation under AANZFTA, including through the AANZFTA Implementation Support Program (AISP) under the Regional Trade for Development (RT4D) Facility.

The Australia-ASEAN Chamber of Commerce engaged with Ministers in a business dialogue at the Meeting, outlining the benefits of an integrated trade region for labour mobility, investment and business profitability.

• Joint Media Statement of the Twenty Eighth AEM-CER Consultations, Semarang, Indonesia 22 August 2023

Meeting of the 20th AANZFTA FTA Joint Committee

The Twentieth Meeting of the AANZFTA Joint Committee (20th FJC) was held in Bandung, Indonesia on 14-17 February 2023. Representatives from ASEAN Member States (AMS), Australia, and New Zealand, as well as the staff members from the ASEAN Secretariat attended the Meeting, which was co-chaired by:

1. Mr. Yusdiman Saman, Acting Assistant Director, Trade Division, Ministry of Finance and Economy, Brunei Darussalam, on behalf of the ASEAN Member States
2. Ms Juliana Nam, Assistant Secretary, FTA Policy and Implementation Branch, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for Australia
3. Mr. Keawe Woodmore, Deputy Director General, FTA Implementation Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for New Zealand.

AANZFTA Parties confirmed they had agreed on all remaining articles open for negotiation in the AANZFTA Upgrade. Progress included agreement on investment, strengthened exceptions for essential security issues and e-commerce dispute settlement. The Meeting also noted that most market access negotiations were concluded.

Australia, ASEAN and New Zealand celebrate substantial milestone in negotiations to modernise trade agreement

On 13 November 2022, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined ASEAN and New Zealand counterparts to announce the substantial conclusion of negotiations to upgrade the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Media release:

• Australia strengthens trade agreement with ASEAN and New Zealand
• Joint Statement on the substantial conclusion of the AANZFTA upgrade negotiations

Meeting of the 19th AANZFTA FTA Joint Committee

The Nineteenth Meeting of the AANZFTA Joint Committee (19th FJC) was held in Da Nang, Vietnam on 10-13 October 2022. Representatives from all ASEAN Member States (AMS), Australia, and New Zealand, as well as the staff members from the ASEAN Secretariat attended the Meeting, which was co-chaired by:

1. Ms Nor Zerlina Momin, Acting Director, Trade Division, Ministry of Finance and Economy, Brunei Darussalam, on behalf of the ASEAN Member States;
2. Ms Juliana Nam, Assistant Secretary, FTA Policy and Implementation Branch, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for Australia; and
3. Mr Keawe Woodmore, Manager, FTA Implementation Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for New Zealand.

FJC Co-Chairs intensified the AANZFTA upgrade negotiations, focusing on addressing outstanding text issues and finalising market access offers. The ASEAN chair called on Subsidiary Bodies to clarify positions and work together to move the negotiations forward. Cambodia reiterated the importance of the Agreement, stating it is one of the Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) of the Cambodian ASEAN Chairmanship in 2022.

27th ASEAN Economic Ministers — Closer Economic Relations Consultations

The 27th ASEAN Economic Ministers — Closer Economic Relations Consultations were held in Siem Reap, Cambodia on 18 September 2022. Economic Ministers from ASEAN Member States met Australian and New Zealand counterparts. Senator the Hon Tim Ayres, Assistant Minister for Trade, represented Australia.

Ministers welcomed the progress on the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA (AANZFTA) Upgrade negotiations, reiterating the importance of ensuring the Agreement remains of high standard, fit-for-purpose, relevant for business, and responsive to economic challenges. The Meeting tasked Senior Economic Officials to commence preparations for the signing of the Second Protocol and looked forward to its entry into force for all Parties. Ministers emphasised the significance of modernising the Agreement, to take account of changing global business and trade practices. Ministers noted that a successful upgrade would enhance regional economic architecture, facilitate trade and investment and accelerate economic recovery post COVID-19.

The Australia-ASEAN Chamber of Commerce engaged with Ministers in a business dialogue at the Meeting, outlining the benefits of an integrated trade region for labour mobility, investment and profitability to business.

• Joint Media Statement of the Twenty Seventh AEM-CER Consultations, Siem Reap, Cambodia, 18 September 2022

Meeting of the 18th AANZFTA FTA Joint Committee

The Eighteenth Meeting of the AANZFTA Joint Committee (18th FJC) was held in Siem Reap, Cambodia, on 3 - 5 August 2022 (in a hybrid format). Representatives from all ASEAN Member States (AMS), Australia, and New Zealand, as well as the ASEAN Secretariat attended the meeting, which was co-chaired by:

1. Mr. Yusdiman Saman, Acting Assistant Director, Trade Division, Ministry of Finance and Economy, Brunei Darussalam, on behalf of the ASEAN Member States;
2. Ms Juliana Nam, Assistant Secretary, FTA Policy and Implementation Branch, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for Australia; and
3. Mr Keawe Woodmore, Deputy Director General, FTA Implementation Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for New Zealand.

The FJC noted good progress in negotiations. All AANZFTA Parties underlined the need to maintain the momentum of negotiations. The Meeting agreed to: accelerate the finalisation of all pending elements and identify issues to be addressed by Ministers; refrain from tabling new proposals (unless they provide alternative language for existing proposals on the table) and no backtracking on consensus; convene a Special ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting for Ministers to give guidance; and keep in mind deadlines that would enable Ministers or Leaders to announce in 2022 the substantial conclusion, or positive progress, of the upgrade negotiations.

Meeting of the 17th AANZFTA FTA Joint Committee

The Seventeenth Meeting of the AANZFTA Joint Committee (17th FJC) was held in Jakarta on 12-17 June 2022 (in hybrid). Representatives from all ASEAN Member States (AMS), Australia, and New Zealand, as well as the staff members from the ASEAN Secretariat attended the meeting, which was co-chaired by:

1. Mr Yusdiman Saman, Acting Assistant Director, Trade Division, Ministry of Finance and Economy, Brunei Darussalam, on behalf of the ASEAN Member States;
2. Ms Juliana Nam, Assistant Secretary, FTA Policy and Implementation Branch, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for Australia; and
3. Mr Keawe Woodmore, Deputy Director General, FTA Implementation Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for New Zealand.

FJC Co-Chairs welcomed the progress by Subsidiary Bodies and acknowledged in-person meetings had made a positive difference to negotiations. The Meeting encouraged AANZFTA Parties to exercise flexibility to find possible solutions or landing zones. Noting the approaching deadline of September 2022, the Meeting encouraged AANZFTA Parties to: (i) focus on the current issues and refrain from tabling new proposals; (ii) reach out to proponents if clarification is needed; (iii) come to the next meeting with a full mandate. Given the positive outcomes, the Meeting encouraged AANZFTA Parties to have in-person meetings going forward.

Meeting of the 16th AANZFTA FTA Joint Committee

The Sixteenth Meeting of the AANZFTA Joint Committee (16th FJC) was held virtually on 21 April 2022. Representatives from all ASEAN Member States (AMS), Australia, and New Zealand, as well as the staff members from the ASEAN Secretariat attended the Meeting, which was co-chaired by:

1. Ms Nor Zerlina Momin, Acting Director, Trade Division, Ministry of Finance and Economy, Brunei Darussalam, on behalf of the ASEAN Member States;
2. Ms Juliana Nam, Assistant Secretary, FTA Policy and Implementation Branch, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for Australia; and
3. Mr Keawe Woodmore, Manager, FTA Implementation Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for New Zealand.

FJC Co-Chairs emphasised the importance to expand ambition and intensify AANZFTA upgrade negotiations, noting conclusion of the Agreement is one of the Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) of the Cambodian ASEAN Chairmanship 2022. Subsidiary Bodies (SB) were encouraged to expedite negotiations, revise work plans and identify any outstanding issues where FJC leads could provide guidance. The ASEAN chair reminded SBs to focus on value-added elements, to ensure that the Agreement remains fit for purpose, relevant, and adds value to businesses.

The Australian Co-chair informed the FJC the Australian Government was entering a caretaker period due to the May federal election. Australia reiterated its previous position, that FJC leads bore responsibility for the lack of progress to date on upgrade negotiations.

Meeting of the 15th AANZFTA FTA Joint Committee

The Fifteenth Meeting of the AANZFTA Joint Committee (15th FJC) was held virtually on 7 March 2022. Representatives from all ASEAN Member States (AMS), Australia, and New Zealand, as well as the staff members from the ASEAN Secretariat attended the Meeting, which was co-chaired by:

1. Mr. Yusdiman Saman, Acting Assistant Director, Trade Division, Ministry of Finance and Economy, Brunei Darussalam, on behalf of the ASEAN Member States;
2. Ms Juliana Nam, Assistant Secretary, FTA Policy and Implementation Branch, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for Australia; and
3. Mr Keawe Woodmore, Manager, FTA Implementation Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for New Zealand.

FJC Co-Chairs highlighted the importance of ensuring the AANZFTA upgrade remains a high quality, is fit for purpose, and provides a value add for business. Where progress on upgrade negotiations was required, FJC provided clear guidance for Subsidiary Bodies to help move negotiations forward. Australia emphasised to all Parties the importance of maintaining momentum, to achieve substantial conclusion of negotiations by September 2022.

Meeting of the 14th AANZFTA FTA Joint Committee

The Fourteenth Meeting of the FTA Joint Committee (FJC) was held virtually, on 29 November 2021. Representatives from the ten ASEAN Member States, Australia, and New Zealand, and staff from the ASEAN Secretariat attended the Meeting, which was co-Chaired by:

1. Ms Nor Zerlina Momin, Acting Director, Trade Division, Ministry of Finance and Economy, Brunei Darussalam, on behalf of the ASEAN Member States;
2. Ms Juliana Nam, Assistant Secretary, FTA Policy and Implementation Branch, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for Australia; and
3. Mr Keawe Woodmore, Manager, FTA Implementation Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for New Zealand.

FJC Co-Chairs provided guidance on the issues and challenges faced by Subsidiary Bodies (SBs), and reiterated that negotiators’ objective was to ensure that the Agreement remains fit for purpose, relevant, and adds value to businesses. The FJC also took stock of Articles not yet concluded, noting that the upgrade negotiation is at the halfway point of the agreed timeline for conclusion by September 2022.

• Summary of the Main Outcomes of the AANZFTA [PDF]

26th ASEAN Economic Ministers — Closer Economic Relations Consultations

The 26th ASEAN Economic Ministers — Closer Economic Relations Consultations were held by video conference on 15 September 2021. Economic Ministers from the ten ASEAN Member States met with Australian and New Zealand counterparts. The Hon Dan Tehan MP, then Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, represented Australia.

Ministers welcomed the progress on the AANZFTA Upgrade negotiations, with the objective of concluding the negotiations within a two-year timeframe by September 2022. Ministers emphasised the importance of modernising the Agreement to take account of changing global business and trade practices and the evolving regional economic architecture, including to incorporate and implement provisions to facilitate trade and investment and remove unnecessary barriers to accelerate post-pandemic recovery.

The Australia-ASEAN Chamber of Commerce, Australia-ASEAN Business Council and the ASEAN New Zealand Business Council engaged with Ministers in a business dialogue at the meeting.

• Joint Media Statement of the 26th AEM-CER Consultations [PDF]

Meeting of the 13th AANZFTA FTA Joint Committee

The Thirteenth Meeting of the FTA Joint Committee (FJC) was held virtually, on 21 - 22 July 2021. Representatives from the ten ASEAN Member States, Australia, and New Zealand, and staff from the ASEAN Secretariat attended the Meeting, which was co-Chaired by:

1. Ms Nor Zerlina Momin, Acting Director, Trade Division, Ministry of Finance and Economy, Brunei Darussalam, on behalf of the ASEAN Member States;
2. Mr Michael Dean, Acting Assistant Secretary, FTA Policy and Implementation Branch, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for Australia; and
3. Mr Keawe Woodmore, Manager, FTA Implementation Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for New Zealand.

FJC Subsidiary Bodies reported on their ongoing work and plans, either to take forward elements included under the AANZFTA upgrade negotiations, or to implement the commitments and cooperation under AANZFTA. The FJC welcomed the Philippines’ Non-Paper on Proposed Inclusion of an MSME Chapter as part of the AANZFTA Upgrade Negotiations. The FJC also noted that the AECSP Successor Programme is scheduled to commence on 1 January 2022, with a six-month transition period to ensure smooth implementation of the successor programme by 1 July 2022.

• Summary of the Main Outcomes from the 13th FJC [PDF]

Meeting of the 12th AANZFTA FTA Joint Committee

The Twelfth Meeting of the FTA Joint Committee (FJC) was held virtually, on 7 - 9 April 2021. Representatives from the ten ASEAN Member States, Australia, and New Zealand, and the ASEAN Secretariat attended the Meeting, which was co-Chaired by:

1. Ms Nor Zerlina Momin, Acting Director, Trade Division, Ministry of Finance and Economy, Brunei Darussalam, on behalf of the ASEAN Member States;
2. Mr Simon Farbenbloom, Assistant Secretary, FTA Policy and Implementation Branch, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for Australia; and
3. Mr Keawe Woodmore, Manager, FTA Implementation Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for New Zealand.

The FJC held discussions on the progress of the AANZFTA upgrade negotiations and agreed on the importance of ensuring it remains an ambitious and modern agreement. The FJC also discussed the implementation of economic cooperation activities under AANZFTA and how the agreement can support the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Summary of the Main Outcomes from the 12th FJC [PDF]

25th ASEAN Economic Ministers — Closer Economic Relations Consultations

The 25th ASEAN Economic Ministers — Closer Economic Relations Consultations were held by video conference on 29 August. Economic Ministers from the ten ASEAN Member States met with Australian and New Zealand counterparts. Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, represented Australia.

Ministers acknowledged efforts made on AANZFTA implementation, noting that the first round of AANZFTA Upgrade Negotiations could not take place as scheduled in June 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ministers resolved to take forward the upgrade negotiations with urgency to ensure that AANZFTA remains fit for purpose.

The Australia-ASEAN Chamber of Commerce, Australia-ASEAN Business Council and the ASEAN New Zealand Business Council engaged with Ministers in a dialogue at the meeting.

• Joint Media Statement of the 25th AEM-CER Consultations [PDF 300 KB]

AANZFTA COVID-19 temporary measures

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, AANZFTA Parties have been exploring temporary arrangements for acceptance of Certificates of Origin (COO) and commercial documents in electronic format, given AANZFTA’s provisions regarding hard copy certificates. Most AANZFTA Parties have indicated a preparedness to exercise greater flexibility.

The AANZFTA COO Temporary COVID-19 Measures table summarises these arrangements. This table will be updated as Parties provide further advice and clarification on COVID-19 origin documentation measures. Australian exporters should also engage directly with their importer regarding the application of measures in individual AANZFTA Parties.

• AANZFTA Certificate of Origin (form AANZ) temporary COVID-19 measures

AANZFTA Upgrade Negotiations: Call for submissions

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) welcomes submissions from interested stakeholders as part of the AANZFTA upgrade process.

AANZFTA parties have agreed the AANZFTA upgrade negotiations will cover rules of origin, customs procedures (to include trade facilitation), services, investment, e-commerce, competition (to include consumer protection) and government procurement. AANZFTA parties also agreed to discuss how to undertake economic cooperation on trade and sustainable development in AANZFTA.

Information on how to make a submission is available at AANZFTA Upgrade Submissions.

24th ASEAN Economic Ministers — Closer Economic Relations Consultations

The 24th ASEAN Economic Ministers — Closer Economic Relations Consultations were held on 9 September 2019 in Bangkok. Economic Ministers from the ten ASEAN Member States met with Australian and New Zealand counterparts. Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, represented Australia.

Ministers endorsed a Work Plan for negotiations to upgrade AANZFTA and welcomed the 10th Anniversary of the signing of AANZFTA. Ministers released a special statement to mark this Anniversary, which included a commitment to work together in support of the multilateral trading system and WTO reform.

The Australia-ASEAN Chamber of Commerce and the ASEAN New Zealand Business Council engaged with Ministers in a dialogue at the meeting.

• Joint Media Statement of the 24th AEM-CER Consultations [PDF 168 KB]
• 10th Anniversary of AANZFTA Ministerial Statement [PDF 116 KB]

Meeting of the 11th AANZFTA FTA Joint Committee

The Eleventh Meeting of the FTA Joint Committee (FJC) was held in Melbourne, Australia, on 1 — 3 May 2019. Representatives from the ten ASEAN Member States, Australia, and New Zealand, and staff from the ASEAN Secretariat attended the Meeting, which was co-Chaired by:

1. Ms Dk Mazlizah binti Pg Mahalee, Director, Ministry of Finance and Economy, Brunei Darussalam, on behalf of the ASEAN Member States;
2. Mr Todd Mercer, Assistant Secretary, FTA Policy and Implementation Branch, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for Australia; and
3. Mr Keawe Woodmore, Manager, FTA Implementation Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for New Zealand.

The FJC held initial discussions on how to implement recommendations from the General Review of AANZFTA, and agreed that Round 1 of negotiations to upgrade AANZFTA, along with discussions on trade and sustainable development, will take place at the 12th FJC Meeting in early-2020, scheduled to be held in New Zealand. The 10th anniversary events and the business engagement session organised in the margins of the FJC provided a valuable opportunity to demonstrate active implementation of the AANZFTA Business Engagement Strategy and Guiding Principles and Enabling Framework for Stakeholder Engagement, adopted in 2018.

• Summary of Main Outcomes from the 11th FJC [PDF 244 KB]

23rd ASEAN Economic Ministers — Closer Economic Relations Consultations

The 23rd ASEAN Economic Ministers — Closer Economic Relations Consultations were held on 1 September 2018 in Singapore. Economic Ministers from the ten ASEAN Member States met with Australia and New Zealand counterparts. The Hon Mark Coulton MP, Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, represented Australia.

The key outcome of the meeting was ministerial endorsement of officials' recommendations from the AANZFTA General Review to guide negotiations to upgrade the Agreement, including in the areas of rules of origin, customs procedures (to include trade facilitation), services, investment, e-commerce, competition (to include consumer protection) and government procurement. The Ministers tasked officials to commence implementation of the recommendations in the first half of 2019 with a view to concluding text of a second protocol to amend AANZFTA within an expeditious timeframe.

The Australia-ASEAN Chamber of Commerce, the Australia-ASEAN Business Council and the ASEAN New Zealand Business Council engaged with Ministers in a dialogue at the meeting.

• Joint Media Statement of the 23rd AEM-CER Consultations [PDF 277 KB]
• AANZFTA General Review - recommendations (public version) [PDF 192 KB]

Meeting of the 10th AANZFTA FTA Joint Committee

The Tenth Meeting of the FTA Joint Committee (FJC) was held in Da Nang, Vietnam, from 4-8 April 2018. Representatives from the ten ASEAN Member States, Australia and New Zealand, and staff from the ASEAN Secretariat, attended the Meeting, which was co-Chaired by:

1. Ms Nor Ashikin Johari, (Acting) Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Brunei Darussalam, on behalf of the ASEAN Member States;
2. Mr Todd Mercer, Assistant Secretary, FTA Policy and Implementation Branch, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for Australia; and
3. Mr Keawe Woodmore, Manager, FTA Implementation Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for New Zealand.

Key outcomes from the FJC included progress on formulating General Review recommendations for Ministers on updating and improving AANZFTA, in principle agreement to an AANZFTA Business Engagement Strategy (2018-2023), agreement to work on implementing recommendations from the Non-Tariff Measures review, agreement that all Parties would implement HS 2017 nomenclature product specific rules fully from 1 January 2019, and agreement to an independent review of the AANZFTA Economic Cooperation Support Program in the second half of 2018.

The next meeting of the FJC is scheduled to be held in Australia in early 2019.

• Summary of Main Outcomes from the 10th FJC [PDF 570 KB]

22nd ASEAN Economic Ministers — Closer Economic Relations Consultations

The 22nd ASEAN Economic Ministers — Closer Economic Relations Consultations were held on 9 September 2017 in Manila, Philippines. Economic Ministers from the ten ASEAN Member States met with Australia and New Zealand counterparts. The Hon Steven Ciobo MP, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, represented Australia.

Ministers welcomed the AANZFTA General Review Stage One Report, assessing implementation of the Agreement to date, and tasked officials to release a public version. For Stage Two of the Review, officials will provide recommendations to Ministers in August 2018 on how to upgrade and improve AANZFTA. Ministers also endorsed the recommendations for taking forward work on non-tariff measures (NTM) under AANZFTA. The Australia-ASEAN Chamber of Commerce and the ASEAN New Zealand Business Council engaged with Ministers in a dialogue at the meeting.

• Joint Media Statement of the 22nd AEM-CER Consultations [PDF]
• AANZFTA General Review — Stage One Report (public version — October 2017) [PDF 1.8 MB]
• Report of the Committee on Trade in Goods on the Review of Non-Tariff Measures under AANZFTA, 9 September 2017 [PDF 792 KB]

Meeting of the 9th AANZFTA FTA Joint Committee

The Ninth Meeting of the FTA Joint Committee (FJC) was held in Auckland, New Zealand, from 30 May — 3 June 2017. Representatives from ASEAN Member States, Australia and New Zealand, and staff from the ASEAN Secretariat, attended the Meeting, which was co-Chaired by:

1. Ms Nor Ashikin Johari, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Brunei Darussalam, on behalf of the ASEAN Member States;
2. Ms Julie-Ann Guivarra, Assistant Secretary, Free Trade Agreement Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for Australia; and
3. Mr Keawe Woodmore, Manager of FTA Implementation Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for New Zealand.

Key outcomes from the FJC included progress on the AANZFTA General Review Stage One Report assessing implementation of the Agreement to date, including documentation of lessons learnt; agreement for the Committee on Trade in Goods to prepare a report on the Non-Tariff Measures review including recommendations, for submission to Ministers; and progress on a project to monitor utilisation of AANZFTA tariff preferences.

• Summary of Main Outcomes from the 9th FJC [PDF 437 KB]

21st ASEAN Economic Ministers — Closer Economic Relations Consultations

The 21st ASEAN Economic Ministers-Closer Economic Relations Consultations were held on 4 August 2016 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Economic Ministers from the ten ASEAN Member States and Trade Ministers from Australia and New Zealand attended the meeting. Australia was represented by the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, The Hon. Steven Ciobo.

The key outcome of this meeting was the Ministerial endorsement of the Terms of Reference for the AANZFTA General Review. Ministers agreed that the General Review of the AANZFTA would take place in 2017.

• Terms of Reference for the AANZFTA General Review
• Joint Media Statement of the 21st AEM-CER Consultations

The First Protocol fully implemented by 10 of 12 Parties on 1 April 2016

Since 1 April 2016, the following 10 Parties — Australia, New Zealand, Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam — only accept the new Certificate of Origin and new Operational Certification Procedures from Parties that have implemented the First Protocol. As Indonesia has not yet ratified the First Protocol, it will only issue and accept old Certificates of Origin and old Operational Certification Procedures.

Cambodia may issue old Certificates of Origin with old Operational Certification Procedures or new Certificates of Origin with new Operational Certification Procedures until it fully implements the First Protocol on 1 July 2016. Cambodia will also accept old Certificates of Origin with old Operational Certification Procedures or new Certificates of Origin with new Operational Certification Procedures until this date. From 1 July 2016, Cambodia will only accept the new Certificate of Origin and new Operational Certification Procedures from Parties that have implemented the First Protocol.

The Guide for Business: Using the First Protocol' [PDF 467 KB] | [DOCX 355 KB] has been updated to reflect that 11 Parties have entered the First Protocol into force.

For more information please see For business.

Meeting of the 8th AANZFTA FTA Joint Committee

The Eighth Meeting of the FTA Joint Committee (FJC) was held in Melbourne, Australia from 14-18 March 2016. Representatives from the ten ASEAN Member States, Australia and New Zealand, and staff from the ASEAN Secretariat attended the Meeting, which was co-Chaired by:

1. Ms Tutiaty Wahab, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Brunei Darussalam, on behalf of the AMS;
2. Mr Michael Mugliston, Special Negotiator, Free Trade Agreement Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for Australia; and
3. Mr Greg Andrews, Head of FTA Implementation Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for New Zealand.

Key outcomes from the FJC included agreement to recommend for AEM-CER consideration that the General Review of AANZFTA commence in 2017; endorsement of Phase IV of the ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework; and agreement to the provision of design and gender expertise to select AECSP projects.

• Summary of Main Outcomes from the 8th FJC

The First Protocol to Amend the AANZFTA will enter into force on 1 October 2015

For more information please see For business.

Australia notifies it has completed its internal requirements to enter the First Protocol to Amend the AANZFTA into force

On 1 September 2015, Australia notified the Parties to the Agreement Establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) that it had completed its internal requirements to enter the First Protocol to Amend the AANZFTA (First Protocol) into force.

• Notification [DOCX 72 KB] | [PDF 66 KB]

Meeting of the 7th AANZFTA FTA Joint Committee

The Seventh Meeting of the FTA Joint Committee (FJC) was held in Bandung, Indonesia, from 29 June — 3 July 2015. Representatives from the ten ASEAN Member States, Australia and New Zealand, and staff from the ASEAN Secretariat attended the Meeting, which was co-Chaired by:

1. Mr. Greg Andrews, Head of FTA Implementation Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for New Zealand;
2. Ms. Tutiaty Wahab, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Brunei Darussalam, on behalf of the ASEAN Member States (AMS); and
3. Mr. Michael Mugliston, Special Negotiator, Free Trade Agreement Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for Australia.

Key outcomes from the FJC included to establish 1 October 2015 as the target date for entry-into-force by 10 AANZFTA Parties of the First Protocol to Amend the AANZFTA; to exchange schedules of reservations to the investment chapter before the next FJC meeting; and endorse the recommendations to be put to the ASEAN Economic Ministers - CER Trade Ministers meeting in August on post-2015 arrangements for economic cooperation under AANZFTA.

The next meeting of the FJC is scheduled to be held in Australia in early 2016.

• Summary of Main Outcomes from the 7th FJC [PDF]

August 2014 - Changes to Importing and Exporting under AANZFTA: Invitation for Public Input

The Minister for Trade and Investment, Mr Andrew Robb, and Ministers from the other eleven Parties to the Agreement Establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), signed the First Protocol to Amend AANZFTA in Nay Pyi Taw, Burma, on 26 August 2014.

Media release: Signature of AANZFTA Protocol

The First Protocol to amend AANZFTA will reduce the information requirements imposed on business when completing certificates of origin, simplify the presentation of the Agreement's Rules of Origin, and provide for the use of HS 2012 nomenclature.

The full text of the First Protocol:

• AANZFTA First Protocol [DOCX 2 MB] | [PDF 114 KB]
• AANZFTA First Protocol Appendix 1 [DOCX 56 KB] | [PDF 144 KB]
• AANZFTA First Protocol Appendix 2A [DOCX 75 KB] | [PDF 104 KB]
• AANZFTA First Protocol Appendix 2B [DOCX 68 KB] | [PDF 81 KB]
• AANZFTA First Protocol Appendix 3 [DOCX 20 KB] | [PDF 77 KB]
• AANZFTA First Protocol Appendix 4 [DOCX 930 KB] | [PDF 1.8 MB]

The First Protocol will now be subject to each of the AANZFTA Parties' domestic processes for acceptance of treaties and will enter-into-force only once these processes have been concluded for Australia, New Zealand and at least four members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).¹

In Australia's case, this will involve the First Protocol being tabled in Parliament for 20 joint sitting days, accompanied by a National Interest Analysis which explains the impact of the proposed treaty action on the national interest. The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) will invite public submissions on the First Protocol, and may hold public hearings on it, and will present a report to Parliament. Following consideration of the report by the Government, necessary changes to regulation to implement the First Protocol will be introduced.

Changes brought in by the First Protocol will affect all Australian importers and exporters that make use of the tariff commitments under the AANZFTA Agreement. It will also deliver opportunities for business that trade with AANZFTA Parties and have not previously made use of AANZFTA's tariff arrangements.

Attached is an Issues Paper which summarises the First Protocol, explains what it means for business, and invites public input on arrangements for ensuring that the First Protocol is implemented in a manner that is responsive to business needs and facilitates trade.

• AANZFTA First Protocol Issues Paper [DOCX 822 KB] | [PDF 428 KB]

October 2013 - Important Notice to Exporters using AANZFTA to Export to Indonesia

Australian exporters have experienced on-going issues with the acceptance of AANZFTA COOs by the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (Indonesian Customs) for claims based on the Wholly Produced or Obtained criterion. Please read the following notice for more information:

Important Notice to Exporters using AANZFTA to Export to Indonesia [PDF 103 KB] - 4 October 2013

ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA (AANZFTA) enters into force for Indonesia

Australia welcomes entry-into-force for Indonesia on 10 January 2012. AANZFTA is now in force for all 12 signatories: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

At the inaugural Indonesia-Australia Annual Leaders' meeting, 20 November 2011 in Bali, Indonesia, Prime Minister Gillard and President Yudhoyono stated in their Joint Communique, "Great potential exists to promote trade and investment links between the two economies — the two largest in the region. We welcomed the entry into force of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and committed to commence negotiations on an Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement at the earliest opportunity".

More information: ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA.

Early media releases and statements

• Australia's Largest Free Trade Agreement Starts, 3 January 2010
• Largest Australian Free Trade Agreement to Begin in 2010, 25 October 2009
• Regional Trade Ministers Strengthen Trade and Economic Linkages, 15 August 2009
• Australia concludes Southeast Asia trade deal, Minister for Trade, 28 August 2008
• Joint Media Statement of the 13th AEM-CER Consultations in Singapore, 28 August 2008