ChAFTA: A new chapter in the Australia-China story
Asia Society Australia supported a historic signing ceremony of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement
17 JUNE, 2015 CANBERRA
By Philipp Ivanov, Chief Executive Officer
Asia Society Australia
Asia Society Australia was proud to support a landmark event in the history of the Australia-China relationship - signing of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) by The Hon. Andrew Robb AO MP, Australia's Minister for Trade and Investment and Dr Gao Hucheng, China's Commerce Minister, witnessed by The Hon. Tony Abbott MP, Prime Minister of Australia.
ChAFTA opens a new chapter of the Australia-China story - a story of complementarity, dynamic economic and social ties and a mutual desire by both our nations and people to engage and understand each other. ChAFTA will unlock significant future growth opportunities for Australian business in the areas of goods and services trade and investment. With our total trade worth close to $160 billion in 2013-2014, ChAFTA will act as a driver for greater economic connectivity between Australia and China. It will also increase Australia's competitive advantage in China's vast, increasingly complex and rapidly changing market.
Asia Society Australia congratulates Ministers Robb and Gao and negotiating teams at the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Chinese Ministry of Commerce on achieving this truly historic milestone in the bilateral relationship.
View the full text of the Agreement and overview of the outcomes and benefits »
Joint media release by Prime Minister and Trade and Investment Minister »