This week Melbourne will host the largest meeting of trade ministers and representatives in over a decade, as the 12 member countries of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) come together for the Ninth Commission Meeting.
Australia is the 2025 Chair of the CPTPP, one of the world's most ambitious trade agreements connecting 12 economies, 590 million people and comprising nearly 15 per cent of global GDP.
The agreement cuts tariffs, opens markets, and makes trade simpler, fairer, and more predictable - helping Australian businesses diversify and innovate across our region and beyond.
CPTPP Parties are committed to enhancing trade and investment opportunities, and ensuring the agreement remains modern, effective, and responsive to global challenges, including disruptions to the multilateral trading system.
As Chair, I will lead discussions on upgrading and enhancing CPTPP, efforts to expand the membership, and practical steps to ensure it continues to deliver gold-standard outcomes.
I will be joined by the Hon. Daniel Mulino MP, Assistant Treasurer, and the Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Assistant Minister for Trade, who will both hold bilateral meetings with CPTPPP counterparts to discuss trade and investment.
Alongside the Commission Meeting, CPTPP Parties will also hold inaugural Trade and Investment Dialogues with the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The European Union Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Mr Maroš Šefčovič, will attend the CPTPP-EU Trade and Investment Dialogue. I will also meet with Commissioner Šefčovič to advance negotiations on an Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell
"Australia is a trading nation and a strong advocate of free and fair trade. Trade supports Australian businesses, jobs, higher incomes, and our economy."
"Australia is committed to strengthening open, stable, rules-based trade in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond."
"The CPTPP is a gold-standard trade agreement creating opportunities for Australian businesses to diversify and grow."
