Int’l – Australian Dairy industry welcomes Japan FTA talks
Published:December 18, 2006
Source :Farm Online
The Australian dairy industry has welcomed news that Australia and Japan will start negotiations on a comprehensive free trade agreement in early 2007.
Australian Dairy Industry Council deputy chairman, Paul Kerr, says Japan has long been Australia's most important export market for dairy, with regular annual sales near $500 million.
"While the two countries' dairy industries share a long and strong business partnership, a comprehensive FTA, including dairy, offers significant potential benefits to producers and manufacturers in both countries," Mr Kerr said.
"In recent years the dairy industry has worked closely with our government to create valuable new trade and business development opportunities in a wide range of markets.
"Ultimately our farmers and exporters judge the success of any agreement on the basis of how much new and profitable trade it generates.
"Japan is a special customer for Australian dairy and so, as an industry, we are clearly committed to helping our trade negotiators achieve a comprehensive FTA."
Mr Kerr says the Australian and Japanese dairy industries have worked together for nearly 50 years developing the Japanese market for dairy products.
"Free trade in dairy products is the next logical step in deepening the relationship between our two industries", he said.
