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Aurizon supports introduction of ChAFTA legislation
Australia’s leading rail-based transport business Aurizon has welcomed introduction of legislation into Federal Parliament today which, if passed, will facilitate the adoption of the China Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA)
Australia’s leading rail-based transport business Aurizon has welcomed introduction of legislation into Federal Parliament today which, if passed, will facilitate the adoption of the China Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA).
Aurizon Managing Director & CEO Lance Hockridge urged all Members of Parliament to urgently support the legislation. Passage of the legislation by late October/early November is critical to ensuring that the Agreement enters into force by the end of 2015. This timing would allow Australian exporters to secure a two-stage tariff cut, with immediate tariff cuts when the agreement comes into force and again on 1 January 2016.
“Urgent ratification of ChAFTA is important for every sector of the Australian economy,” Mr Hockridge said.
“ChAFTA will give Australian businesses an increased ability to access China’s massive, and rapidly growing, middle class as a potential market for Australia’s professional services, tourism, education and agriculture products. This enhanced access to the massive Chinese market will create jobs for Australians and new growth opportunities for businesses.
“In addition ChAFTA will bring much needed relief to Australia’s coal sector by eliminating China’s import tariffs on Australia coal.
“The future of Australia’s economic prosperity depends on a strong ongoing trading relationship with China. All areas of Australian society, business and Government must work together to ensure this Agreement is ratified at the earliest opportunity.”
Aurizon Managing Director & CEO Lance Hockridge urged all Members of Parliament to urgently support the legislation. Passage of the legislation by late October/early November is critical to ensuring that the Agreement enters into force by the end of 2015. This timing would allow Australian exporters to secure a two-stage tariff cut, with immediate tariff cuts when the agreement comes into force and again on 1 January 2016.
“Urgent ratification of ChAFTA is important for every sector of the Australian economy,” Mr Hockridge said.
“ChAFTA will give Australian businesses an increased ability to access China’s massive, and rapidly growing, middle class as a potential market for Australia’s professional services, tourism, education and agriculture products. This enhanced access to the massive Chinese market will create jobs for Australians and new growth opportunities for businesses.
“In addition ChAFTA will bring much needed relief to Australia’s coal sector by eliminating China’s import tariffs on Australia coal.
“The future of Australia’s economic prosperity depends on a strong ongoing trading relationship with China. All areas of Australian society, business and Government must work together to ensure this Agreement is ratified at the earliest opportunity.”