Australia is joining international efforts to ensure trade agreements protect the environment, combat climate change, promote gender equality, secure labour rights and support First Nations trade.
Australia will soon join the Inclusive Trade Action Group (ITAG) and Global Trade and Gender Arrangement (GTAGA) to pursue further commitments to sustainable, equitable and inclusive trade.
ITAG members work together to ensure the benefits of trade and investment are broadly shared within communities, contribute to sustainable development, and support efforts to protect the environment and combat climate change.
GTAGA was created within ITAG and is a trade instrument focusing on promoting gender equality and women’s economic empowerment in international trade.
Australia will participate in a gathering of ITAG and GTAGA ministers in Auckland this month.
Australia looks forward to working with ITAG and GTAGA on our shared priorities. ITAG members are Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, New Zealand and Peru. GTAGA members are Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, New Zealand and Peru.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Trade, Assistant Minister for Manufacturing, Senator Tim Ayres:
“Joining the Inclusive Trade Action Group and the Global Trade and Gender Arrangement adds to Australia’s global leadership in promoting sustainable and inclusive trade.
“Australia is pleased to build on commitments on sustainable and inclusive trade in our trade agreements, such as the gold standard Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement.
“Australia’s trade policies must reinforce our efforts to protect the environment, promote gender equality, support First Nations trade and reinforce labour rights.”
