Earlier today, Australia and Indonesia signed a free trade agreement, which will strengthen economic ties between the two nations and provide opportunities for Australian farmers and the education sector.
Australian Trade Minister Simon Birmingham tweeted today, “(I am) thrilled to sign the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement today with my counterpart (Enggartiasto Lukita).
“This historic agreement will create new trade opportunities for Australian and Indonesian businesses, boost two-way investment and increase prosperity in both countries.”
Live from Jakarta on the Today Show this morning, Mr Birmingham said, “This is a deal that means cattle producers are going to get better access … those manufacturing steel are going to get better access and what we are doing is ensuring that more product at lower price can come into Indonesia, as well as our education and health care services, which not only means good deals for those providers in Australia being able to do business in Indonesia, but also opportunities for Indonesia in terms of higher quality education, health care, all of which can fuel and advance their economy too.”
The landmark free trade agreement has been eight years in the making and will allow 99 per cent of Australian goods, such as grain, dairy, citrus and meat to enter Indonesia duty free.
