Negotiations on the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) must be focussed on achieving an agreement with ‘no exemptions’, the Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) said today.
The TPP is multi-country Free Trade Agreement (FTA) currently under negotiation between Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Japan, the United States, Vietnam, Mexico and Canada.
ADIC Chair, Noel Campbell, said efforts by some member countries to shield their agricultural sectors through tariffs, quotas and non-tariff barriers are inconsistent with the spirit and intent of the TPP.
“The TPP, if realised, would be a major international trading agreement and as such, we need a commitment from all parties involved that they will negotiate in good faith, and with broader interests in mind,” Mr Campbell said.
“There must be a higher level of ambition involved in these negotiations, and that must include a genuine willingness to leave self-interest at the meeting room door.
“The reality is that if all countries involved in the TPP were to seek sector-specific exemptions, there would be no point in pursuing an agreement, as there would be nothing left to negotiate about.
“A comprehensive and commercially meaningful TPP would not only deliver flow-on benefits for farmers, but also consumers in all participating economies, who stand to benefit from reduced prices across a range of product lines, including dairy.”
Mr Campbell said the Australian dairy industry already exports almost $3 billion worth of products each year, despite a range of trade barriers and market distortions.
“If the industry can achieve export figures like this in spite of significant trade hurdles, then one wonders what could be achieved through a commercially meaningful TPP agreement,” he said.
Mr Campbell said the ADIC supports the Federal Government’s efforts to negotiate the best possible outcome for Australia on the TPP.
“Negotiations on plurilateral agreements such as the TPP are always challenging and as such, we recognise and support the Government’s efforts in this area.”
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