Horticulture Innovation Australia (HIA) congratulates the Australian Government on reaching agreement and finalising the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) – the most comprehensive free trade agreement China has signed with a developed nation.
HIA CEO, Mr John Lloyd, and HIA Trade Manager, Mr Sam Lawrence, attended today’s official signing ceremony of the ChAFTA at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra. The ceremony was also attended by the Hon Tony Abbott, Prime Minister, the Hon Andrew Robb MP, Minister for Trade and Investment, and Mr Gao Hucheng, Minister of Commerce in the Government of the People's Republic of China.
Today's official signing will ensure the complete elimination of tariffs on all horticultural products. Within eight years, all existing tariffs will be removed for citrus products ranging from 11–30%, and all other exported horticultural products will be tariff free within four years.
HIA CEO, Mr John Lloyd believes horticulture has great potential under the ChAFTA, but many non-tariff barriers remain to be addressed before the industry will benefit.
“This is a good outcome for Australia's horticultural producers. ChAFTA provides an excellent platform to boost the trade between Australia and China,” Mr Lloyd said.
“Australia must now address the many behind-the-border issues, including protocols and technical measures to facilitate trade.”
“We look forward to the agreement being ratified by parliament and building on the relationship between the two countries both in trade and investment, including in the horticultural sector.”
Australia exported approximately $60m worth of horticultural products to China in 2014, of which the bulk were oranges ($21.6m), macadamias ($17.7m) and mandarins ($9.1m). Australia's potential exports, given commercially viable protocols, are exponentially greater.
HIA is currently engaged in the design of a holistic trade strategy that will guide horticulture's engagement with China, including in the market access, improvement and development sectors.
For more information
Horticulture Innovation Australia Ltd
Amy Braddon, External Communications Manager
Tel. +61 2 8295 2333
