Bilateral and Regional Trade Agreements

Commissioned study

On 27 November 2009, the Australian Government requested that the Productivity Commission undertake a study into the impact of bilateral and regional trade agreements on trade and investment barriers, and on Australia's trade and economic performance, including their contribution to efforts to boost Australia's engagement in the evolving regional economic architecture.

In undertaking the study, the Commission is to consider a broad range of issues, including the:

• contribution of bilateral and regional trade agreements to reducing trade and investment barriers and safeguarding against the introduction of new barriers
• role of such agreements in lending support to the international trading system and the World Trade Organization
• potential for trade agreements to facilitate adjustment to global economic developments and to promote regional integration
• impact of trade agreements on Australia's trade and economic performance, in particular any impact on trade flows, unilateral reform, behind-the-border barriers, investment returns and productivity growth
• scope for Australia's trade agreements to reduce trade and investment barriers of trading partners or to promote structural reform and productivity growth in partner countries.

In the course of the study, the Commission will consult widely with the business sector, government agencies and other interested parties.

Contacts

Jill Irvine (Administration matters)
Ph: 02 6240 3223

Andrew Irwin (Other matters)
Ph: 02 6240 3350

Fax: 02 6240 3311
Email: tradeagreements@pc.gov.au

Freecall: 1800 020 083

Further information

• Productivity Commission Review into Bilateral And Regional Trade Agreements - Joint media release from the Minister for Trade and Assistant Treasurer (external link)
• About the commissioned study process