Australia and the United Kingdom have recently signed an agreement to continue to recognize each other's standards in the production of goods and wine products.
SBS recently reported that Australia and the United Kingdom have signed an agreement to make Australian manufacturers and brewers more confident about their export trade to the United Kingdom after leaving Europe. However, the agreement signed in London by the High Commissioner, George Brandis, and the British International Trade Secretary, Liam Fox, still needs to be passed by the parliaments of the two countries before 29 March.
Under the agreement, Australian brewers can export products to the UK and the EU using the same labeling, certification and manufacturing processes after the UK's demise. The UK will also accept Australian import certification standards for pharmaceuticals, automobiles, medical devices, food and agricultural products. Australia will also recognize British standards for imports of British products.
"This is part of the international trade regime, but the work we have done this morning is symbolic because it shows that no matter how we leave Europe, the relationship between Australia and the United Kingdom, that is, the very strong trade relationship that already exists, will remain intact." Brandis said.
Fox said the agreement was one of the first continuing agreements between Britain and a major trading partner. "When Britain looks at our global image of Britain, one of the key partners we will have is our oldest friend Australia, which is one of the fastest growing regions in the world," he said.
Brandis also said that he and Fox had also held rapid negotiations on a free trade agreement between Britain and Australia. At the same time, Fox reminded British parliamentarians of the importance of secession from the European Customs Union.
