We strongly support progress towards a free trade agreement with the European Union (EU) because Australia’s long term recovery will depend on remaining an open, trading nation, Business Council chief executive Jennifer Westacott said.

“One in five Australian jobs relies on trade. To recover from the pandemic we will need to trade more, not less. Better access to markets means that Australian businesses can grow, expand and create more jobs here at home.

“Europe is already Australia’s second largest trading partner and this deal would give us a chance to sell even more of our world class products and services to half a billion people.

“We welcome the government’s commitment to this process and look forward to working constructively through consultations.

“Securing the Australia-European Union FTA will provide Australian businesses and farmers with new opportunities to export Australia’s high value products and services.”