The Turnbull Government is seeking a high quality, comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Peru to open new markets for Forde exporters that will create more local jobs.
MP Bert van Manen said Peru presents a growing opportunity for Forde exporters that the Peru-Australia Free Trade Agreement (PAFTA) will help unlock.
“Over the last decade, Peru has been one of the fastest growing economies in Latin America, and the world, with annual GDP growth averaging 5.9 per cent (2005-2015),” Mr van Manen said.
“Many of our exports to Peru are blocked by high tariffs that this FTA will seek to eliminate.
The United States, the European Union and Canada all have FTAs that give them preferential access to Peru.
“PAFTA will help Forde exporters compete and break into this growing market,” Mr van Manen said.
He said Forde services exporters could also benefit from an FTA as Peru is increasingly looking offshore for specialised services.
“Our expertise in key growth sectors such as education, health, and tourism are well suited to meet this demand.”
An FTA with Peru would be another gateway to Latin America, strengthening Australia’s economic relationship with the region and enabling Forde businesses to tap into value chains between the Americas and Asia.
Mr van Manen said the Turnbull Government is pursuing an ambitious trade agenda and more agreements to help Forde exporters grow.
“The more Forde is exporting, the more local jobs there will be,” he said.
ENDS
