Speaking from Mumbai, Robb said the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (JAEPA) provides improved access to Japan's growing markets, with more than 97 per cent of Australia's exports receiving preferential or duty-free access when fully implemented.
"JAEPA is the most liberalising trade agreement Japan has ever signed, giving Australian exporters a significant advantage over their competitors. Its commencement also comes at a time when a softer Australian dollar is working to the benefit of our exporters," Robb said.
Wealth of opportunities
Robb said growing demand in Asia for Australia's green produce provided "opportunities there for the taking".
"If seized upon (they) will help create jobs, build our economy and lead to greater prosperity for everyone," he said.
"High tariffs on our beef exports have been immediately cut by around one fifth – with further cuts to come on 1 April – while a range of Australian agricultural exports will enter Japan duty-free, including prawns, lobsters, asparagus, cherries, grapes, macadamia nuts and almonds.
"Duty free quotas on cheese are now in place too."
Robb said JAEPA also guarantees access to the Japanese market for a range of Australian service suppliers, including financial, legal, education and telecommunications services.
Along with export opportunities, Robb said JAEPA presents benefits for consumers, with cheaper import prices on a range of goods, including cars, white goods and electronics.
Australian businesses are encouraged to use a step-by-step guide to accessing preferential tariffs on exports to Japan.
-160x160-state_article-rel-cat.jpg)