CANBERRA (Pacnews) — An Australian parliamentary committee has recommended ratification of a treaty on closer economic relations with Pacific island states.
The joint treaties committee was reporting on Australia’s dealings with the 14 developing members of the Pacific Island Forum, which are setting up a free trade area.
The committee says the agreement will ensure Australia’s trade interests are not disadvantaged when island states in the region begin to negotiate free trade agreements with other countries.
Australia’s Foreign Affairs Department says the island states are due to start trade negotiations with the European Union in September.
