Don Farrell is set to meet with European Commission executive vice president Valdis Dombrovskis this weekend on the sidelines of the G7 trade ministers’ meeting in Sakai, Osaka.
Ahead of Farrell’s trip on Friday, the minister for trade and tourism issued a statement noting Australia would not entertain the idea of signing a free trade deal with the EU “for the sake of it”.
“I will […] press for the best possible outcome for our producers, our businesses, our workers, and our consumers.
“I have made it very clear Australia will not sign a deal for the sake of it, and I meant it,” Farrell said.
Earlier this week, the minister said better market access for Australian beef, lamb and sugar must be offered by the EU for a deal to be struck.
Negotiations for the Australia-EU free trade agreement have been ongoing since 2018.
Farrell will fly out of the country on Friday to represent Australia as an outreach partner at the G7 trade ministers’ meeting. This is the first time Australia has been invited to participate in this capacity.
The minister said connecting with international counterparts and industry partners at a time of unprecedented global challenges was an important opportunity.
“Joining the G7 trade ministers’ meeting provides a valuable opportunity to meet with G7 partners, as well as industry representatives, and a number of other counterparts, to both advance Australia’s interests, and open the door for increased cooperation,” Farrell said.
“I will participate in a number of sessions addressing how the G7 and partners can work together on supply chain resilience, economic security, sustainable trade, and support for the rules-based multilateral trading system.”
During his overseas trip, Farrell will also visit the site of Australia’s pavilion for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, at the Osaka Expo Association.
