Australian Trade Discussions

[Jamie]

UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
Security Classification: SECRET

To: Senator Penny Wong, Owen
Cc:
Subject: Invitation to Bilateral Trade Discussions

Dear Senator Wong,

I hope this message finds you well.

I am writing to formally invite you to participate in bilateral trade discussions between the United Kingdom and Commonwealth of Australia. These discussions are intended to focus on strengthening economic ties, explore new opportunities and to review the existing Trade Agreement to maximise the mutual benefit it offers.

We would be pleased to host the initial meeting at a mutually convenient time and location. Please let me know your availability or if there are any specific topics you would like to be included in the agenda and I will get this written up and included in the itinerary.

Kindest Regards,
Charlotte Baker

Charlotte Baker | Business Secretary |

 

[Owen]

​

MINISTER FOR TRADE​

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION: SECRET ​

2 December 2006

Dear Secretary Baker, We are delighted to hear that the United Kingdom has decided to move forward with a formal and truly free trade agreement with Australia. Australia and the United Kingdom share a deep economic history, starting as a fledging colony for the Empire and supplying it with much necessary goods such as wool, gold, wheat, beef and other items to becoming an advanced 21st century economy with a strong financial system and a powerhouse with deep trade relations across the Asia-Pacific region. We propose that this meeting be held in Middlesbrough, as the home town of Captain James Cook, it holds a significant place in Australia's history. On the agenda we would like to include discussions about specific industries that need protection from free trade, scientific and defence industry collaboration, re-establishment of the Commonwealth and a potential wider free trade area within that, labour mobility, environmental protections, competition and consumer policy and financial services. There is a lot of specific detail that goes into a free trade agreement, but rest assured I will come prepared to discuss all of these. Yours sincerely, Penny Wong.

Parliament House, CANBERRA, ACT 2600 Telephone: (02) 6277 7700​

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Jamie