APEC is working towards the mutual recognition of food standards by all member economies. Under the AFTA-CER processes further efforts to harmonise regulations and achieve mutual recognition of food standards are also being undertaken. One major reason for this is that key barriers to free trade, like export and production subsidies, which are still being used in important markets, such as the European Union, can best be tackled through multilateral mechanisms. In conclusion, I began today by saying that the Coalition Government believes strongly in consulting fully with business. This is because for all the efforts being undertaken by the Government, the entrepreneurial engine of better trade performance rests with you - the business community.
Governments can negotiate market access and remove impediments to competitiveness.
But it is our entrepreneurs who must take our products and the talents of our people to the world. That is what will ultimately determine the success of our trade performance. So with your support, the Government will continue to reform Australia's economy in a way that will help business to fulfil its potential as a great trading nation.