Trade and International Relations

As a small, open economy that is not a natural member of any major trading bloc, Australia has a vital national interest in a healthy world trading system.

Global free trade directly benefits Australian businesses, large and small, and the wider economy through increased access to new markets, greater growth opportunities and increased living standards.

The BCA is working closely with the Commonwealth Government and with other international business groups to push for the continuation of a free global trading system. The BCA has been a vocal supporter of the Doha round of trade negotiations and multilateral trade generally.

The BCA also supports the development of bilateral free-trade agreements (FTAs) that are vital for Australia’s trading interests and that support the long-term goal of global free trade. This includes agreements with the United States, China, ASEAN, and potentially Japan, Korea, the European Union and India.

The BCA has a set of trade principles to assess the suitability of international trade agreements.

Task Force responsibility: Trade and International Relations Task Force
Chairman: Mr John W.H. Denton, Partner and Chief Executive Officer, Corrs Chambers Westgarth
BCA Secretariat contact: Mr Patrick Coleman, Director Policy