PRESS RELEASE : Australia and the United Kingdom Announce Signed Free Trade Agreement [December 2021]

The press release issued by the Australia-United Kingdom Chamber of Commerce on 17 December 2021.

The Australia-United Kingdom Chamber of Commerce applauded today’s announcement from both Australian Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, the Hon Dan Tehan MP and Secretary of State for International Trade of United Kingdom, the Rt Hon Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP on the signing of the completed Free Trade Agreement between our two countries.

The Australia – United Kingdom Chamber celebrates today’s historic and remarkable deal which will drive a new era of high-quality, inclusive and expanded trade between Australia and the UK. As the first trade agreement Britain has negotiated from scratch following the announcement of Brexit, today’s signing symbolises the close and trusted relationship between our two countries providing a solid foundation in which businesses and organisations can benefit from the multiplying bi-lateral trade and investment opportunities.

Our Chamber has been highly engaged with both Governments for several years on the deliverance of an Australia – UK FTA. Now that the deal has been finalised, we will continue to work closely on the implementation of the deal with our Members and across our network.

Commenting on the FTA signing, our Chamber Executive Director Joanne Holland said,

“The signing of the free trade agreement is excellent news. The next few months will be devoted to working with our members on how we can effectively implement this historical agreement. We always value your feedback so please do get in touch with suggestions and comments.

We are eager to welcome new businesses to the Chamber network as trade and investment between both nations becomes easier.”

The Chamber has also worked in partnership with our Australian counterpart, the Australian British Chamber of Commerce to ensure the success of the FTA on behalf of our business Members.

Australian British Chamber of Commerce CEO David McCredie OBE said,

“The potential impact is huge. This Free Trade Agreement is one of the most partnerial and ambitious agreements signed by Australia and reflects the strength of historical and ongoing trading ties between the two nations. While we have all heard of the impact on agriculture and trade, our members and I are hugely encouraged by the provisions which address issues of skilled and experienced workers, the growing need to address digital aspects and the potential for cross-border investment.”