“The signing of the framework for a trade agreement with the UK is an important first step in a difficult journey as both Australia and the UK look to diversify our major trade relationships,” Innes Willox, Chief Executive of the national employer association Ai Group said today.
“As we await the details of the agreement, it appears that the last hurdles in the negotiations of the Australia UK FTA were in important historical areas of our trade relationship.
“Liberalisation in the movement of people and mutual recognition of professional qualifications will encourage more services exports, which represents 70% of our economy.
“It’s hoped that when finalised the bulk of the agreement will support the 21st century aspirations of our businesses.
“We anticipate that the framework will reflect an Asian Pacific perspective on data and digital trade rules which foster greater cooperation between all sectors, including manufacturing.
“Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and Trade Minister Dan Tehan, are to be congratulated for achieving this historic first agreement its kind with post-Brexit UK,” Mr Willox said.
