Australia Looks to Strengthen Trade with Hong Kong

The Australian government has announced that it will pursue a free trade agreement (FTA) with China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in an attempt to secure further service export opportunities for Australian businesses. Australia’s Trade Minister Steve Ciobo said that securing an FTA with the Hong Kong economy would, “strengthen the trading partnership” with one of Australia’s “most significant” trading partners. Australia already has a zero tariff agreement with Hong Kong; however, the FTA would be aimed at securing easier access for “services exports” and ensure Hong Kong would remain open for Australian business.