australia-china free trade agreement conference brian pilbeam, pr

10benefits and elevate the relationship that has been developing between our two countries sincethe 1970s to a more substantive, more formal level.We support the principle set out in the existing Trade and Economic Framework that a bilateralagreement is important for direct relationships between governments, businesses and people,as well as for economic benefit. That principle would be strengthened within the format of aFTA as the basis for establishing dialogues and bringing about a more co-operative approachto resolve issues.The basic reasoning for the FTA is to establish free trade opportunities, and Telstra would beconcerned with any unnecessary restriction or omission that might hinder us in moving in thatdirection.Instead, we should envisage it as the vehicle to advance towards mutual access and thatcreates advantage for both countries in global trade and investment.From a telecommunications perspective, we see the development of relationships for ourindustry in terms of a FTA pyramid. At the base of this would be a simple reiteration of bothcountries’ WTO commitments.Higher up the pyramid would be more flexible and creative elements such as stretch targetswith specificity about real partnerships to be achieved within reasonable timeframes.At the apex of the pyramid would be a full FTA with a full telecommunications chapter,harmonising the regimes between the two countries.The Australian government has signed up for four other FTAs: New Zealand; Singapore;Thailand; and the US. A precedent has been set whereby all make reference totelecommunications and market access for Australian businesses.Telstra supports an FTA between Australia and China and firmly believes that incorporatingtelecommunications would benefit both countries.ENDS