Zero tariffs highlight Hong Kong trade talks

NEGOTIATIONS between Australia and Hong Kong on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) are looking to permanently lock in zero tariffs on agriculture exports to Hong Kong

This is the type of outcome Australian meat, livestock, seafood and wine producers have been hoping for. Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said the Australia–Hong Kong FTA would lock in those zero tariffs and support a $1.4 billion agricultural trade relationship.

“The Coalition Government is delivering new markets and better tariffs for our farmers,” Mr Littleproud said. “Zero tariffs for our agriculture exports to Hong Kong means we can keep exporting the high-quality produce we are known for.  

“Meat, livestock, seafood and wine are some of our most valuable exports and we can now provide certainty to these industries. 

“This FTA recognises our reputation as a supplier of clean, green world-class produce. It is also proof of the strong agricultural relationship between Hong Kong and Australia,” he said.

“Hong Kong is also a major gateway to the rest of East Asia and gives our farmers a way to tap into other markets.”

Mr Littleproud said Australian agriculture continued to benefit from FTAs signed with China (ChAFTA), Korea (KAFTA), Japan (JAEPA) and Peru (PAFTA) and will be a key beneficiary from the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP-11).

www.agriculture.com.au

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