UK minister to promote trade on visit to Melbourne and Perth
The UK Minister of State for Trade and Export Promotion Baroness Fairhead, arrives in Melbourne today (26 September), kicking off a 3 day visit to Australia.
Baroness Rona Fairhead, UK Minister of State for Trade and Export Promotion
Minister of State for the Department for International Trade, Baroness Fairhead, said:
I’m delighted to be visiting Australia at what is a crucial moment for trading relations between our 2 countries.
We have recently launched an extensive consultation for the people and businesses of the UK to let us know how they want to trade with their Australian counterparts. I look forward to a successful visit and productive discussions with businesses and my ministerial counterparts.
In Melbourne, the minister will deliver a key-note speech at a lunch hosted by the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) on trade and investment links and opportunities between our 2 countries. A key theme will be the promotion of the UK’s recently launched consultation on its future trading relationship with Australia.
Whilst in the city, the minister will also meet with Victorian Minister for Trade and Industry, Philip Dalidakis. They will discuss opportunities for increased UK-Victoria collaboration including the potential for increased support in both Melbourne and London for globally-minded technology companies looking to grow in either direction.
The Baroness will also host a round-table with representatives of Melbourne’s fintech community. The sector’s substantial growth and recently established Fintech Bridge offers the opportunity for easier access to each other’s markets and creative partnerships between UK companies and their Australian counterparts.
In the second leg of her visit, the minister will meet with Western Australian Minister, Paul Papalia ahead of a round-table discussion with senior business leaders in the region. Discussion will focus on priorities for future trade and investment and as well an update on the UK’s departure from the European Union.
Finally, the minister will tour Rio Tinto’s ‘mine of the future’ to see the innovative technology they are using at their remote operations centre.
Total trade in goods and services between the UK and Australia currently totals £16 billion a year, with transportation and business services particularly popular British exports.
Further information
Media contact
Elizabeth Goodfellow
Senior Communications Officer
British High Commission
elizabeth.goodfellow@fco.gov.uk
Tel:+61 (0)2 6270 6687
Mobile: +61 427 542 080