Australia has been a strong advocate of free trade over the years. It has signed several bilateral and multilateral trade deals to push for greater regional and global integration. These agreements have played a crucial role in boosting the country`s economy, creating new jobs, and opening up new markets for Australian businesses.
So, who does Australia have a free trade agreement with?
1. New Zealand: This is one of Australia`s oldest and most well-established free trade agreements. The Australia-New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement (ANZCERTA) was signed in 1983 and has since been amended several times. The agreement has helped to create a seamless trans-Tasman market, and it covers a wide range of goods and services.
2. Singapore: The Australia-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) was signed in 2003. It covers areas such as trade in goods, services, investment, intellectual property, and e-commerce. The agreement has boosted trade and investment between the two countries, and it has opened up new opportunities for Australian businesses in Singapore.
3. Thailand: The Australia-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA) was signed in 2004. It covers areas such as trade in goods, services, investment, and intellectual property. The agreement has helped to deepen economic ties between the two countries, and it has created new opportunities for Australian businesses in Thailand.
4. United States: The Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) was signed in 2004. It covers areas such as trade in goods, services, investment, and intellectual property. The agreement has helped to strengthen economic ties between the two countries, and it has opened up new markets for Australian businesses in the United States.
5. Chile: The Australia-Chile Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) was signed in 2008. It covers areas such as trade in goods, services, investment, and intellectual property. The agreement has helped to deepen economic ties between the two countries, and it has created new opportunities for Australian businesses in Chile.
6. Japan: The Australia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (JAEPA) was signed in 2014. It covers areas such as trade in goods, services, investment, and intellectual property. The agreement has helped to boost trade and investment between the two countries, and it has opened up new markets for Australian businesses in Japan.
7. China: The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) was signed in 2015. It covers areas such as trade in goods, services, investment, and intellectual property. The agreement has helped to deepen economic ties between the two countries, and it has created new opportunities for Australian businesses in China.
In conclusion, Australia has signed several free trade agreements over the years, covering a wide range of areas. These agreements have helped to boost trade and investment between Australia and other countries, creating new opportunities for Australian businesses. As the world continues to become more interconnected, free trade agreements will play an increasingly important role in shaping the global economy.