Virtual Briefing: The Treatment of Innovation in the Australia-UK FTA

Australia and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) launched negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) on 17 June 2020.  An FTA with Australia is part of delivering the UK government’s top strategic trade priority of using their voice as a new independent trading nation to champion free trade, fight protectionism and remove barriers at every opportunity. 

Australia is already an important partner for the UK and an FTA offers the opportunity to strengthen this relationship, increasing investment flows between our two countries and playing an important role in growing and diversifying the economy, as well as creating jobs in the COVID-19 recovery phase.  

Through improved market access for goods and services, the FTA will provide Australian exporters a competitive edge when entering the UK market, as well as provide Australian businesses and consumers with greater access to competitively-priced goods and services, new technologies and innovative practices.

Event schedule

• Canberra/ Sydney Time (AEDT) - 8.30am to 10am, Friday, 12 February 2021
• London Time (GMT) -  9.30pm to 11pm, Thursday, 11 February 2021

Co-hosts

• David McCredie OBE, Chief Executive Officer, Australian British Chamber of Commerce
• Professor Jane Drake-Brockman, is Industry Professor, Institute for International Trade at The University of Adelaide.

UK-based speakers

• James Clarke (Presenter), UK Department for International Trade. 
• Lauren Sheppard (Discussant), Trade Policy - Team Leader, Innovation Trade Policy, UK Department for International  Trade
• Emily Cowhig Discussant), Policy Advisor, Innovation Trade Policy, UK Department for International Trade
• Samuel James (Discussant), Innovation Trade Policy, UK Department for International Trade

Australian industry discussants

• Bryan Clark, Director - Trade & International Affairs, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Demus King, General Manager Trade, Investment & Investor Relations, Minerals Council of Australia
• Louise McGrath, Head of Industry Development and Policy, Australian Industry Group
• Ash Saladrini, Chief Economist and General Manager Trade, National Farmers Federation
• Paul Zalai, Director and Advocate, Freight Trade Alliance

This free event is supported by the British High Commission Canberra and delivered in collaboration with the following organisations:

British High Commission, Department for International Trade, Australian British Chamber of Commerce