Australia, Britain begin FTA negotiations

CANBERRA - Australia and Britain have begun negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA), according to the Australian government.

In a video posted on social media on Wednesday night, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he was "delighted" to join his British counterpart Boris Johnson in celebrating the launch of "negotiations on a comprehensive free trade agreement."

"As we recover, as we build back from the impact of COVID-19 we have a wonderful opportunity to supercharge our economic relationship," Morrison said.

"It will mean more jobs, more growth, more prosperity in both our countries and more opportunities for Australian and UK citizens to live and work in each other's countries, ultimately."

He flagged that both sides could agree to an "ambitious and high quality deal" by the end of 2020.

Simon Birmingham, Australia's Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, said in a recent speech that "there is no doubt" Australia was a casualty of Britain's entry into the European Economic Community 48 years ago.

"In 1973 the UK was Australia's third largest two-way goods trading partner. Now it is our 12th," he said.

"UK consumers turned away from Australian produce when high tariffs and low quotas were imposed as a result of their membership of the EU. Brexit presents new opportunities for our two nations," he said.