Trade Deals with Indonesia and UK on Agenda as Ciobo Attends Davos Summit

General views of Davos ahead of the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2017.

Canberra, 18 Rabiul Akhir 1438/17 January 2017 (MINA) – Trade deals with Indonesia and the UK will be on the agenda when Trade Minister Steven Ciobo attends the World Economic Forum.

This year’s summit in Davos, Switzerland, is expected to focus on how to counter the rising ride of protectionism.

Mr Ciobo was quoted by AAP a saying that he would meet with his Indonesian counterpart Enggartiasto Lukita to advance negotiations on the Indonesia-Australia comprehensive economic partnership agreement.

He would also hold talks with the UK Secretary of State for International Trade, Liam Fox, as the two countries work towards the future negotiation of an Australia-UK free trade agreement after Brexit.

WTO ministers will gather on the sidelines of the summit to discuss modernising the global trade body’s rules.

“With our globally competitive industries, smart and skilled workforce, expertise in research and development, commitment to innovation and resilient economy, Australia stand to benefit greatly from free trade and economic globalisation,” Mr Ciobo said in a statement ahead of the meeting.

The minister is also expected to discuss investment opportunities with the CEOs of major companies including General Electric, Glencore and Marriott.

The summit runs from January 17 to 20.  (T/RS05/RS01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)