1 April 2022

Improving digital trade opportunities for Australia

Note

Joint media release with
The Hon Dan Tehan MP
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment

The Morrison Government is cutting red tape, improving access to markets and supporting new trade opportunities and jobs through its Digital Trade Strategy launched today.

Clear and high-quality digital trade rules can significantly lower barriers to trade, improve trade efficiencies and facilitate access to markets, creating new trade possibilities for Australia and our region.

The Digital Trade Strategy will guide Australia’s practical action as a leader in digital trade, informing our work to develop digital trade rules which deliver commercial benefits, promote our democratic values and push back against digital protectionism.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said the strategy set out the Morrison Government’s focus on digital trade through trade facilitation, trust, cross-border flows of data, and cooperation.

“Digital trade is predicted to grow to $192 billion by 2030, and improving digital trade will support Australian businesses and Australian jobs,” Mr Tehan said.

“Keeping the global economy open and businesses trading through strong digital trade rules is crucial for Australia’s continued economic recovery and ongoing prosperity.”

Minister for the Digital Economy, Senator the Hon Jane Hume, said digital trade is an important feature of the Morrison Government’s ambition to make Australia a leading digital economy.

“The strategy builds on the Government’s existing data and digital initiatives, including the Digital Economy Strategy, and ensures Australia maintains momentum to keep pace with changing economic conditions and technology.”

The strategy also describes Australia’s important leadership role in digital trade rule making through participation in multilateral forums – including the World Trade Organisation, the OECD, APEC and the G20.

The strategy is guided by the International Cyber and Critical Technology Engagement Strategy and supports Australia’s Digital Economy Strategy.

The strategy can be found on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.