Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Trade) Share this | Hansard source

We continue to pursue these negotiations. They are about building on a proven method of success. Our trade agreements have created record levels of exports and record trade surpluses for Australia, and it's because of the network of free trade agreements that we as a nation have struck with the North Asian economies of Japan, Korea and China through the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Of course, we should never forget that those opposite said of the TPP that we should just give up and walk away when the United States gave up on it. But we didn't. We negotiated, we secured the deal and, in doing so, we've struck the first ever opportunities for trade agreements between Australia and Mexico and between Australia and Canada, as well as ensured continued elimination of trade barriers for many of our goods that have seen our good exports to China, Japan, Korea and ASEAN countries all grow significantly compared with the previous year. There is strong growth right across these markets, fuelling job opportunities and a stronger economy for all Australians. (Time expired)