Free Trade deal could boost Pacific

Updated August 29, 2008 16:24:02

Although the final details of a Free Trade Agreement between Australia and New Zealand with the Association of Southeast Nations will not be known for several months its supporters point to the huge market potential for exports from all sectors. There is also the argument that the increased economic flow and interest from ASEAN to its southern neighbours could also boost economic oportunities for Pacific nations in an indirect way. Products and resources from the Pacific nations presently being refined in Australia and New Zealand could be in even greater demand. Professor Satish Chand from the Australian National University's College of Asia and the Pacific says he can only see positives as the ASEAN nations would not be worried about potential rivals and that it could also lead to increased demand for tourism as awareness of the region grows within ASEAN.

Presenter: Michael Cavanagh
Speaker: Professor Satish Chand from the Australian National University's College of Asia and the Pacific