In Brussels he was planning to meet EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič and EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen to progress a mutually beneficial trade agreement.
“This is my sixth meeting with Commissioner Šefčovič, the most recent being last November, in Melbourne.
“Australia has always been a trading nation, and the Albanese Labor Government is committed to opening up new markets for our exporters, delivering more well-paying jobs across our economy and cutting costs at the checkout for Australians,” Mr Farrell said.
“The European Union is a potential market of 27 countries and 450 million consumers ‒ a huge opportunity for our world-class producers, businesses and exporters.
“At a time of global uncertainty, both Australia and the EU recognise the need to strengthen our economic and strategic partnership.
“We have been absolutely clear that any deal must be in Australia’s national interest and include new, commercially meaningful market access for our agricultural producers.
“As we have demonstrated time and time again, Australia is ready to do a deal – but we will not agree to a deal for a deal’s sake,” Mr Farrell said.
Australian agricultural industry representatives were last updated by the chief negotiator for the FTA on February 6.
The FTA has been under negotiation since 2018.
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