Media Release
13 March 2025
Australia’s Ambassador to ASEAN, Tiffany McDonald, presented Australia’s Instrument of Ratification for the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) Upgrade to the Secretary-General of ASEAN H.E. Dr Kao Kim Hourn at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, today.
The ceremony marks Australia’s official ratification of the AANZFTA Upgrade and demonstrates Australia’s ongoing and longstanding commitment to ASEAN and free trade.
"Australia is committed to increasing two-way trade and investment with ASEAN, in turn further enhancing economic connectivity and resilience in our shared region. The AANZFTA Upgrade is central to these efforts,” said Ambassador McDonald.
"ASEAN is already Australia’s second largest two-way trading partner and we recognise ASEAN's central role in fostering deeper regional economic integration, in turn maintaining a peaceful, stable and prosperous region now and into the future," added Ambassador McDonald.
“Australia’s ratification of the Second Protocol to Amend the AANZFTA is a strong contribution to the economic resilience of the region, including through implementation of Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. This action ensures the agreement's continued relevance, thereby facilitating regional economic recovery and delivering concrete benefits to businesses commencing April 2025,” said Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN.
Once in force, the AANZFTA Upgrade will deliver key improvements to help micro, small and medium businesses in Australia and ASEAN benefit from trade, simplify transportation procedures for traders, unlock e-commerce opportunities, and promote cooperation to improve labour standards, environmental protections and women’s economic empowerment.
The AANZFTA Upgrade will enter into force on 21 April 2025.
The AANZFTA Upgrade contributes to Australia’s ongoing efforts to deepen our economic engagement with the region, including through implementation of Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.
Further information on AANZFTA is available at: ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA | Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
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