CIOBO’S VITAL ROLE

FEDERAL Trade and Tourism Minister Steve Ciobo will have a seat at the table as Australian and US government officials and business leaders meet in crucial talks.

The high-powered discussions are bolstered by Donald Trump’s thaw in attitude to the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

The US President’s hostility to the free trade deal, made abundantly clear when he campaigned in the presidential election, appeared to take an about-turn last month, with Mr Trump saying he would reconsider his stance provided the US secured a better deal.

Mr Ciobo, whose portfolios also include Investment, has since been involved in sounding out US officials. Along with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, he will represent our nation’s interests at the talks and in doing so, will be flying the flag for his home city too. The Gold Coast has enjoyed strong ties with the US, particularly through its lifeblood tourism industry.

There is strong support on both sides of the Pacific for a meeting of minds and to forge even stronger ties. The Gold Coast can only benefit.