Wannon MP Dan Tehan is set to embark on a rare overseas trip to secure a greater supply of coronavirus vaccines and further Free Trade Agreement negotiations.
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The federal Trade, Tourism and Investment Minister will this week fly to Europe and then the UK for his first international trip in the position.
Mr Tehan will meet with ministerial counterparts in Germany, France and Brussels to discuss vaccine production and the EU export restriction regime.
Australia's initial vaccine supply was heavily reliant on exports but Scott Morrison claimed last week 3.1 million contracted doses had not arrived.
"I will be discussing the supply of EU-produced COVID-19 vaccines that Australia has contracted and how we can work with the EU to enhance the global supply of vaccines," Mr Tehan said.
He will also discuss the Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with European Commission Vice President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis and the Australia-UK FTA with Secretary of State for International Trade Liz Truss.
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Mr Tehan will also co-chair the second Australia-France Trade and Investment Dialogue with Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness Franck Riester.
"Trade creates jobs, it supports economic growth and our standard of living, it promotes international engagement and collaboration and it's mutually beneficial," Mr Tehan said.
"Australia's network of Free Trade Agreements comprises 15 agreements with 26 countries and now covers 70 per cent of Australia's two-way trade, up from 26 per cent in 2013.
"Free Trade Agreements with the EU and UK would give Australian producers preferential access to more than 500 million consumers and that will translate to more jobs, growth, economic and trade opportunities and innovation in Australia."
Mr Tehan said negotiations would uphold Australia's commitment to rules-based trade and investment liberalisation while protecting our national interest.
"We are advancing negotiations with the EU and UK as we seek to finalise these agreements consistent with our national interest," he said.
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