S.MAE.2401 - Economic Access SEA summary

Summary

Bilateral, regional and multilateral trade agreements, such as AANZFTA, RCEP, IA-CEPA and TAFTA, have afforded better access into the Asian region with the removals of prohibitive tariffs. Opportunities exist to reinforce Australian credentials and solidify our position as trusted and credible trade partners, as well as progress priority non-tariff barrier challenges such as halal certification, labelling and listing requirements. Working with the Australian government and industry stakeholders, MLA supported trade events, projects, undertook representations, provided briefings and facilitated industry roundtables and delegations to support greater trade engagement and further market reforms. Market conditions monitoring were conducted and industry timely updated with intel and insights to support decisions and actions.

Project includes completing the following:

• Develop well-researched technical and industry briefs to support industry positions and submissions on economic, technical and other NTB priorities including digitalisation, halal requirements, technical import conditions, establishment listings, product restrictions/price controls, and competitor analysis.
• Support management/delivery of trade & market access-related projects and research, e.g. ATMAC projects, animal health & welfare projects, environmental initiatives and sheepmeat projects in India.
• Partake in formal and informal stakeholder engagement to highlight Australia's credentials, systems and processes.
• Deliver trade events and marketing initiatives to promote opportunities afforded by FTAs and other agreements.
• Monitor market conditions and provide industry with timely and accurate intel and updates.

Objectives

This project covers the reporting period of 2020 – 2025 and addresses the International Markets priority for the South Asia region of improving Market Access.