ISDS Case Map
Australia
Local skilled workers will have a chance next year to try their luck in New Zealand, which has agreed to open up to Indonesian workers as part of a free trade agreement (FTA).
I rarely go into town these days, and when I have to I try to make the trip worthwhile by doing as many things as I can while I'm there. Kevin Rudd obviously thinks the same way, because when he goes off to these conferences overseas he tries to pack a lot in.
The Rudd government has made much of its 'new approach' to Australia's island neighbours, but the view from the Pacific -- especially of the aggressive pursuit of a new free trade deal as part of the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) -- is that not much has changed.
Singapore, Brunei, Chile, New Zealand and the US have warmly welcomed the announcement by Australia and Peru that they intend to join negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership (TPP).
The free trade agreement begun by New Zealand, Singapore, Chile and Brunei - known as the P4 - two years ago is set to expand even further with two more countries , Australia and Peru, as well as the United States wanting to join.
The Victorian Government has been accused of breaking Australia's free trade agreement with the US through its "protectionist" new industry policy, which gives local suppliers an advantage over foreign competitors.
Australian horticulturalists have launched a scathing attack on the Federal Government following its vote to allow free trade with Chile.
Kevin Rudd said he could not set a deadline for the completion of an FTA with China, but that the depth of the financial crisis had hardened their mutual determination to seal a deal.
Australian Minister for Trade Simon Crean, who is currently visiting Saudi Arabia, has reaffirmed the need to initiate talks for a free trade agreement between the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Australia.
India-Australia free trade agreement (FTA) offers India “another opportunity to move the economy into greater efficiency by narrowing trade barriers and increasing access by outsiders to Indian economy,” though this entails some initial adjustment costs.
