Original Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade link: MT65
11 May 1995
The Minister for Trade, Senator Bob McMullan, leaves tomorrow for Belgium, France, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and the Philippines - his first visit to Europe as Trade Minister.
Senator McMullan said today the European component of the visit will focus on bilateral discussions, particularly in the context of the Australia-European Union (EU) relationship, Australia's position on the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and preparatory work for the Cairns Group meeting in Manila later in the month. He will also represent Australia at the OECD Ministerial Council in Paris.
"In Europe, I will discuss prospects for further broadening the trade relationship and developing bilateral cooperation initiatives in areas such as competition policy, the environment and science and technology.
"I will also be pressing for progress in market access for Australian agricultural and resource commodities, including quarantine and veterinary checks of Australian exports to the European Union.
"In Geneva, I will meet with the recently-elected Director-General of the WTO, Mr Renato Ruggiero, to register Australia's priorities for the international trade agenda, and to discuss how the new organisation will operate.
"The main purpose of my visit to Manila is to chair the Cairns Group meeting. The Cairns Group has already established its credentials as a major player on agricultural issues in the post Uruguay Round environment.
"The presence of Mr Ruggiero at the meeting will provide an excellent opportunity for the Cairns Group to reinforce the concerns and priorities of the Group on agriculture.
"Despite the promising gains of the Uruguay Round, world agricultural trade remains highly distorted and protected. It is essential that agriculture is part of any new negotiating agenda developed in the WTO to take trade liberalisation further.
"The Cairns Group will continue to be active in pushing the economic majors to move their domestic farm programs in a direction consistent with the principles of trade liberalisation."
Further information: John Flannery, (06) 277 7420
SENATOR MCMULLAN'S VISITS PROGRAM
Brussels: 13 - 16 May
On 15 May, Senator McMullan will attend the Australia-EU Ministerial Consultations with the Vice President of the European Commission, Sir Leon Brittan. The meeting is one in a process of annual consultations which began in 1980 to provide a forum for regular, high level review of the Australia-EU relationship. The last such meeting was held in Canberra in February 1994.
Senator McMullan is also scheduled to meet with EU Commissioner for Competition Policy, Mr Karel Van Miert.
While in Brussels, Senator McMullan will speak at a luncheon with Belgian bankers and industrialists. The luncheon will provide the opportunity to discuss the expanding bilateral trade and investment relationship, and promote the merits of Australia as a base for Belgian investment.
Paris: 16 - 17 May
In Paris, Senator McMullan will speak at a luncheon for the CNPF, the French Employers Federation, which provided a large delegation to the National Trade and Investment Outlook Conference (NTIOC) in Melbourne in December 1994.
Senator McMullan will also attend a presentation of the Order of Australia to M. Jean Gandois, President of CNPF, for his services to Australia-French bilateral trade.
Senator McMullan will meet with Secretary-General of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, M. Bertrand Dufourcq, for bilateral discussions. He will also present a paper to the International Agribusiness Management Association on the Australian agribusiness industry.
London: 16 - 17 May
During his visit to London, Senator McMullan will meet with the Minister for Trade, Mr Richard Needham; the Shadow Chancellor, Mr Gordon Brown; the Opposition Spokesperson for Trade and Industry, Mr Jack Cunningham; and the Director-General of the Confederation of British Industry, Mr Howard Davies.
Senator McMullan will address an Australian-British Chamber of Commerce luncheon, at which the Minister for Small Firms and Consumer Affairs, the Rt Hon, the Earl Ferrers, will be present.
He will also visit the Australian stands at the London Wine Fair and the "Cruise and Ferry '95" passenger ship exhibition.
Budapest and Prague: 17 - 20 May
Senator McMullan will hold bilateral talks during his brief visit to Budapest and Prague. The Czech Republic and Hungary are the most advanced of the regional countries in their transition to market economies. A number of Australian companies have recognised the opportunities and established themselves in these markets, particularly through investment activities.
Geneva: 20 - 22 May
In addition to meeting with Mr Ruggiero, Senator McMullan will hold discussions with Ambassadors from Japan, the United States of America, Canada and the EU, and the Chairman of the Contracting Parties, Mr Krishnasany Kesavapany. He will also hold preparatory meetings with Cairns Group members.
Paris: 22 - 24 May
On his return to Paris, Senator McMullan will attend the OECD Ministerial Council meeting with Treasurer, Ralph Willis. The meeting will focus on economic relationships, the strengths of the multilateral system, and preparing the OECD for the world of tomorrow.
Manila: 25 - 28 May
While the focus of the visit to Manila will be on chairing the Cairns Group meeting, Senator McMullan will also hold informal discussions on bilateral matters. The Philippines is an important destination for Australia's exports of cattle, dairy products, cereal preparations, and primary and semi-finished iron and steel.
During his discussions with Finance Secretary, Mr de Ocampo, Senator McMullan will encourage the Philippines to continue its economic reform and liberalisation policies which have the potential to provide new opportunities for Australian exporters and investors.
The Cairns Group meeting will provide the opportunity to consider developing a strategy to encourage future agricultural reform. The Group will reiterate its commitment to playing an active and vigilant role in the WTO, in particular monitoring implementation of Uruguay Round commitments.
Senator McMullan will return to Canberra on 29 May.