Private Briefing with Australian Trade Minister The Hon Steven Ciobo MP

The Hon Steven Ciobo MP, Australian Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, will brief Asia House corporate members on the outlook for UK trade relations with Australia in particular, and Asia in general following the Brexit vote earlier this year.

As Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Mr Ciobo has commented on the potential impacts of Brexit on the trade relations between Australia and the UK, as well as on wider trade issues in the Asia Pacific region, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). His visit comes at a time of uncertainty over the UK’s trading relations post-Brexit, with Australia being seen as one of the most likely partners for a future Free Trade Agreement. Australia is also seen as a key gateway for UK and EU investment into Asia due to its free trade agreements with China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, ASEAN and others. Minister Ciobo said in April 2016 that an Australia-EU free trade agreement would further fuel this important trade and investment relationship.

This event is taking place as part of the Asia House Brexit Series, which encompasses a number of seminars and private briefings examining the implications of Brexit.

Steven Ciobo was sworn in as the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment on 19 July 2016. This is his third front bench role in the foreign affairs and trade portfolio. He has previously served as the Minister for International Development and the Pacific, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, as well as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Trade and Investment. In these roles, Mr Ciobo championed economic integration in the Pacific through private sector-led growth; promoted the benefits of Australia’s Free Trade Agreements; led delegations of industry leaders to our key trading partners; and supported the Minister for Foreign Affairs in advancing Australia’s diplomatic interests overseas.

This briefing is for corporate members only. To register, please contact Conor Paterson, Business & Policy Team at conor.paterson@asiahouse.co.uk or call 0207 307 5439.