Simon Crean (Hotham, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade) Share this | Hansard source

The Gulf Cooperation Council is an issue for us not just in automotive terms but because, in my view, there is a huge opportunity for a strengthened economic relationship with the Gulf. We sent officials last week for another round of negotiations but were disappointed that they were not prepared to put a goods offer on the table. I have had telephone conversations with ministerial counterparts within the region, in particular with Saudi Arabia, to try and advance the political will in these negotiations. As for the European negotiations, they have not been able to conclude. We have made it quite clear that if any concessions are made on autos then we would expect the same consideration to be given to us. But, quite frankly, what we are looking for is a much wider relationship than just autos.

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