On Monday, 10 May 2021, the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will hold its first public hearing on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP).
The RCEP is a regional free trade agreement involving Australia and the ten countries of ASEAN plus China, Japan, the Republic of Korea and New Zealand.
Committee Chair Mr Dave Sharma MP said 'RCEP is a globally-significant trade agreement, covering almost one-third of the world’s population and GDP. It is comprehensive, covering trade in goods and services, investment, economic and technical cooperation, electronic commerce, and reflecting contemporary standards in the areas intellectual property, competition and government procurement.'
'At a time when free, open and non-discriminatory trade is under increasing pressure, agreements such as RCEP can help shore up the existing order, which has done so much to underpin rising global prosperity.'
Although Australia has existing trade agreements with many of the parties to RCEP, the Agreement is expected to enhance these benefits and update standards in some areas and open new opportunities for Australian businesses.
Australian Government witnesses will speak at the public hearing in Parliament House. Further information on the inquiry can be found on the inquiry website.
Public hearing details:
Date: Monday, 10 May 2021
Time: 10:15 am–1:00 pm
Location: Committee Room 1R6, Parliament House
Please note that access to the public hearing is restricted as a pandemic control measure. The hearing can be can be accessed online.
Media enquiries:
Ms Natalie Hissey, Office of Mr Dave Sharma MP
02 9327 3988
For background information:
Committee Secretariat
02 6277 4002
jsct@aph.gov.au
For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.
