Treaties Committee to hold public hearing for Australia-UAE CEPA treaties

THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will hold a public hearing today for its inquiries into the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Australia and the United Arab Emirates and the Agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Australia on the Promotion and Protection of Investments.

The proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) would be Australia’s first trade agreement with the Middle East and would eliminate tariffs on over 99 per cent of Australian goods exports to the UAE.

Committee Chair, Lisa Chesters MP, said, "The committee will examine the impact of the CEPA on Australian industry, trade and economy.

"The committee will also explore the inclusion of a chapter that highlights First Nations trade and investment – the first of this kind in any of Australia’s free trade agreements. This chapter, along with chapters including commitments on labour standards, women’s economic empowerment and environmental protection, ensure that this agreement results in inclusive and sustainable trade.

"The committee will hear from a range of stakeholders, including witnesses from the agriculture industry, business advocates, unions and civil society, as well as a government panel."

The full program and further information on the inquiries can be found on the committee’s website.

Public hearing details

Date: Thursday 30 January 2025
Time: 12.30pm to 3.30pm
Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra

 

ends