ATEC welcomes positive outcome to ChAFTA

The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) has welcomed an agreement between the Government and Opposition which will ensure the passage of the China Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) through the Australian Parliament.

ATEC Managing Director, Peter Shelley commented “we are pleased to see the Government and Opposition have worked together to find a positive solution to the ChAFTA which will ultimately see it build a strong trading future with or biggest trading partner.

“Australia’s tourism industry has grown to become one of our strongest exports, with China now our No.1 visitor market, and there is much to be gained by growing our trade connections.

 “Spending by the Chinese market is on an upward trajectory - increasing 25% in the past 12 months and now totalling $6.4 billion - so we are very happy to see the right trading conditions will now be put in place.

“With more than half a million Australians employed in tourism and related businesses, we are confident this agreement will further strengthen the employment opportunities across the country.”

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