Trade deals on agenda for Davos summit

Trade Minister Steven Ciobo is heading to Switzerland to discuss new deals with Indonesia and the UK and consider ways to withstand the protectionist tide.

Australia's Trade Minister Steve Ciobo

Trade Minister Steven Ciobo is heading to Switzerland to discuss new deals with Indonesia and the UK (AAP)

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 said 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.


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Source: AAP


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Trade deals on agenda for Davos summit | SBS News