MEDIA RELEASE
The Canadian High Commissioner, Janice Charette, recently said there could be an enhanced trade relationship between Great Britain and Canada, once the UK leaves the EU.
Australia should be taking the same pro-active attitude as Canada.
Rhys Roberts, Managing Director of Roberts Gray said today that Australia must engage rigorously with the UK to undertake early planning for an effective free trade agreement.
“The recent free trade agreement between the European Union and Canada took seven years,” said Mr Roberts.
“Given the complexity of the negotiations involved, Australia must start work now to ensure a bilateral free trade agreement with the UK is timely and effective.”
“Too many of Australia’s free trade agreements have had minimal impact on trade and investments,” he said.
Mr Roberts said Australia needs to get the free trade agreement right and that means learning from the approach taken by the Canadians.
“We must expedite the technical discussions that are necessary for ensuring completion of a proactive agreement,” he said.
“There is a substantial amount of work that must be completed in advance of Brexit. We must utilise cross-sector dialogue to identify and respond to key issues that will have an impact on the effectiveness of a free trade agreement,” said Mr Roberts .
Enquiries:
Rhys Roberts
Managing Director, Senior Partner
Roberts Gray Lawyers
Email: rhys@robertsgray.com.au
Phone: + 61 3 9642 2666