What are the most positive aspects for trade in the region over the next 12 months?
CREAN: Well, I think that there are a number of important developments despite the frustration of Doha. The first is the conclusion of negotiations for an ASEAN-wide free trade agreement between Australia and New Zealand. This is the most comprehensive free trade agreement that ASEAN has entered into, and it is also collectively Australia’s biggest market. The ASEAN region is bigger than the US, it’s bigger than China, and it’s a comprehensive FTA. Now, unfortunately, this was an agreement that should have been signed this week in Thailand. Obviously, we understand the circumstances why that meeting couldn’t go ahead. It’s now rescheduled for February, and that will be an important milestone. A couple of other areas that are important. We indicated in APEC the preparedness to participate in negotiations for a trans-Pacific free trade agreement. There are already seven countries, and we have the potential for more. This can be an important bridge to a wider free trade agreement for the
