Trans-Pacific Partnership: Australia walks away from deal
The Abbott government yesterday
maintained the world’s biggest regional trade deal, for the Pacific, was
still within reach despite Australia walking away empty-handed from the
latest talks.
Hopes the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal could
be finalised this week were dashed yesterday when trade ministers from
12 participating nations failed to reach a final agreement on the $200
billion pact.
Trade Minister Andrew Robb vowed to keep working, labelling the Hawaii round of talks his most productive yet.
Mr Robb said more than 90 per cent of issues have been thrashed out.
“While we didn’t quite get there, we are definitely on the cusp,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Concerns around automotives, data protection of biologics, dairy and sugar remain sticking points.
