LANDMARK TRADE AGREEMENT WITH CHINA GOOD FOR TASMANIA

FEDERAL Lyons MP Eric Hutchinson says that today’s landmark Australian Trade Agreement with China is so much about Tasmania, it could be renamed the Tasmanian China trade agreement.

Mr Hutchinson welcomed the ratification of the agreement which he says covers all the areas for which Tasmania is renowned.

“The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement locks in existing trade and provides the catalyst for future growth across a range of services such as health, agriculture, education and tourism – Tasmania has a high degree of expertise and capacity to supply export markets in all of these,’’ Mr Hutchinson said.

“Tasmania’s beef and sheep farmers will gain from the phased abolition of tariffs ranging from 12-25 per cent and all tariffs on horticulture will be eliminated.’’

Agricultural products to benefit range from cherries to wine to red meat, Mr Hutchinson said.

The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement is an historic document that closes the gap between Australia and international competitors which already have similar agreements with China such as New Zealand and Chile and would provide a significant advantage over major competitors such as the US and the European Union which do not have agreements.

“This is the start of a new relationship with China which will continue to improve market access for out Tasmanian producers and exporters,’’ Mr Hutchinson said.

“The intangible benefits will be the increased bilateral investment that will almost certainly occur because of the trust developed because of the personal relationships established.”
FEDERAL Lyons MP Eric Hutchinson