Trade deal to boost regions

Federal ministers Andrew Broad and Dan Tehan are confident a new trade deal between Australia and Indonesia will provide business opportunities in western Victoria.

Both welcomed an Indonesia-australia Comprehensive Economic Agreement for their respective electorates.

Member for Mallee Mr Broad said the agreement would create new opportunities for businesses to enter the market.

“This agreement will play a big role for local industry across the Mallee, with 99 percent of exported Australian goods entering Indonesia either duty free or with improved preferential arrangements by 2020,” he said.

“The partnership will swing both ways, also giving Australian producers better access to Indonesian goods.

“What we want to see is our local businesses thriving.

“We want to see producers and exporters take their business to the next level and under this agreement, the support is there for them to do that.

“Business growth globally also means more opportunities on our home soil, with increased opportunities for employment at a local level.”

Under the agreement, tariffs will also be removed on Australian exports of copper cathodes, car parts, leather goods and many others, with Australian steel exports also expected to grow significantly.

Mr Tehan said the same advantages applied to Wannon businesses and farmers, adding that it provided an opportunity for many to expand operations.

“I expect this agreement will open new pathways and make Australian businesses more competitive within the Indonesian market and with other trading partners in the region,” he said.

“I look forward to seeing how local businesses and farmers can take advantage of this trade deal.”

Trade, Tourism and Investment Minister Simon Birmingham said the agreement would help forge stronger economic ties with one of Australia’s major trading partners.

“This will deliver greater certainty for thousands of Australian businesses, farmers and investors,” he said.

“It will also open new doors for Australian services industries including education, telecommunications, tourism, transport and health.”

“We want to see producers and exporters take their business to the next level and under this agreement, the support is there for them to do that. Business growth globally also means more opportunities on our home soil” – Andrew Broad