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Posted by David Sexton
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2 June, 2026
A TRADE delegation to France this week is timely given the recent signing of a free trade agreement with the European Union, Senator Don Farrell says.
The trade minister is leading Australia’s delegation to the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting in Paris, part of an effort to strengthen cooperation with key trading partners and promoting investment in Australia.
“This is an increasingly challenging and uncertain time for the global trading system and supply chains.
“I will use this opportunity to promote trade and industrial policies that support open markets, drive growth, and deliver tangible benefits for the Australian economy,” Senator Farrell said.
“I will also host a CEO roundtable of major French businesses to drive further investment in Australia, including into our infrastructure, energy and resources sectors.”
On the sidelines of the OECD, the minister is to convene the annual meeting of World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministers to build momentum for practical action for WTO reform.
“We need the global trading system which underpins our prosperity to be open, fair and fit for the future,” Senator Farrell said.
“I will meet with many of my counterparts, including French trade minister Nicolas Forissier, and other EU member state ministers to highlight the benefits of the Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement.”
He said the federal government was committed to diversifying our trading relationships and delivering broader and stronger trade agreements for the benefit of Australian businesses, producers, exporters and workers.
“Our new trade deal with the EU opens up a market of 450 million consumers for Australian producers and farmers - a market equivalent to Australia’s population sixteen times over,” he said.
According to La France en Australie, French Exports to Australia primarily comprise aircraft components, pharmaceutical products, agri-food products (especially wine and spirits), perfumes, cosmetics, and agricultural machinery.
Australian Exports to France primarily consist of coal, minerals (including nickel, uranium and aluminum), and canola.
