Fed: Aust to chase UAE FTA as it builds trade to ME

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Fed: Aust to chase UAE FTA as it builds trade to ME

CANBERRA, April 14 AAP - Australia will push for a free trade agreement with the UnitedArab Emirates as it increases its trade links to the Middle East.

Trade Minister Mark Vaile said Australia was ready to chase contracts in post-war Iraqas well as the Middle East region.

A free trade deal with the UAE, with which Australia already has strong economic links,would join agreements with both Singapore and New Zealand in place.

Australia is also in negotiations with the United States and Thailand.

Mr Vaile said 200 firms had already lodged expressions of interest with aid agencyAusAid for war reconstruction in Iraq.

But the biggest competition appears to be with the US, especially over agriculturalproducts such as wheat.

Mr Vaile said Australia was ready to take on the US.

"In all markets of the world we have to be prepared to compete," he said.

"We are prepared to compete with the Americans."

Labor trade spokesman Craig Emerson said Mr Vaile had already sold out the nation'sfarmers, by agreeing that cuts in agricultural protection in a free trade deal with theUS could be phased in over 12 years.

"It's looking like a case of early pain for Australia with any gains from our farmersbeing pushed out to the never-never," he said.

AAP sw/cjh/br

KEYWORD: IRAQ AUST TRADE DAYLEAD