ABC Radio National Discussion - The Cost of Free Trade

 Published by ABC Radio National's Sunday Extra on 20.10.13

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has been tasked with reaching a Free Trade Agreement with China within 12 months, an ambitious goal and one that eluded the previous Labor and Howard governments.

Trade Minister Andrew Robb has also said he wants free trade agreements concluded with Korea and Japan within the first term of an Abbott government

But as these Chinese FTA negotiations enter their ninth year, how might Australia choose between which export sectors to prioritise?

Is a watered down agreement better than nothing at all, and how will publicly committing to a twelve month timeframe affect the tenor of the negotiations?

Listen to the discussion below.