ISDS Case Map
Australia
The Japanese Government has refused to offer Australia any serious concessions on agricultural import tariffs, the major barrier to a free trade agreement between the two countries.
The tiny island nations of the south Pacific should have high ambitions heading into free trade negotiations with Australia, Trade Minister Simon Crean says.
Australia is expected to oppose the exemption of five items from the envisaged FTA with Japan: wheat, rice, beef, dairy and sugar.
The Australian government will negotiate for greater opening of Thailand's services sector this year under the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement
The new Australian government would forge closer relationship with India and take the partnership forward in key areas like energy infrastructure, agriculture and food processing, feels Simon Crean, Australia's minister for trade.
Citing the US-Australia Free Trade Agreement, which became effective Jan. 1, 2005, the US National Pork Producers Council said, in advance of an Australian government report that may recommend protecting Australia's pork industry, that US pork should be excluded from any such action.
The Bush administration is preparing to negotiate an agreement linking the US, Chile, Singapore, Brunei and New Zealand in a Pacific-region accord to reduce barriers to trade and foreign investment, according to lobbyists briefed by the US trade office.
South-East Asian nations need to put a better offer on the table if they want a free trade deal with Australia and New Zealand, Prime Minister Helen Clark says.
Indonesian Trade Minister Mari Pangestu called on Indonesian and Australia business people to try to diversify the type of goods and services exchanged between the two countries as their two governments are exploring to establish a free trade agreement.
Japan has again raised concerns about energy security and the viability of its agriculture industry in free trade talks with Australia.
