Gains for Trade in Services in an EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement: A European Perspective

Abstract

The European Union (EU) and Australia are like-minded partners who share many common concerns in today's international trade environment, such as the initiatives to further liberalise the trade of goods and services and advance the Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA) that is currently under discussion. This chapter will discuss the common interests and then assess the potential content of an EU-Australia free trade agreement (FTA) that may benefit companies operating in the services sectors. It will analyse the traditional elements of market access related to the trade in services, and also the key concerns for services companies that seek to maximise their returns on the basis of a modern trade agreement, particularly where the agreement may cover issues of investment, public procurement and regulatory cooperation.