INDIA NEWS
Nov 16-30, 2021 - Vol 2, Issue 9
COMMUNITY NEWS
Premier Palaszczuk hosts Indian community reception at Parliament House
H
on. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk MP hosted the annual Indian Community Reception at the Parliament House on November 16, and members of the Indian community interacted with the premier and other political leaders. Minister of Multicultural affairs Leanne Linard MP, dressed in traditional Indian attire, played an amazing MC for the event, which was organised in recognition of the festival of Diwali.
Among the prominent people who attended the reception were Minister for Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs, Hon Stirling Hinchliffe MP; India's Hon Consul in Brisbane, Mrs Archana Singh; Chairman, Springfield City Group, Mr Maha Sinnathamby; FICQ President Shyam Das; Dr. Ram Mohan, publisher, India News Australia; Dr Ashutosh Misra, Editor-inChief, India News Australia; Prof Sarva Daman Singh; Mrs Usha Chandra, among others.
Australia ratifies landmark RCEP agreement Canberra, November 3 (IANS): Australia on November 3 announced that it has ratified the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, which will take effect next year as the world's largest free trade agreement (FTA).
Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said in a statement that RCEP would be a major boost for the country's economy, reports Xinhua news agency. "Australia has ratified the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, ensuring that our farmers and businesses are able to access the benefits of what will be the world's largest free trade agreement," according to the statement.
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The 15 signatories to the agreement -- 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Australia, New Zealand, China, South Korea and Japan -- account for approximately 30 percent of the world's population and global gross domestic product (GDP).
It is designed to remove tariffs on as much as 90 percent of goods traded between the countries and standardise rules on investment and e-commerce. "When in force for all 15 signatories, RCEP will be the world's largest free trade agreement, bringing nine of Australia's top 15 trading partners into a single economic framework," the statement said. RCEP will enter into force 60 days
after ratification by at least six ASEAN states and at least three non-ASEAN countries, according to the statement. Minister of State for Trade and Export Growth Phil Twyford announced on November 3 that the country has also ratified the deal to unlock huge economic benefits for exporters and businesses, as well as new market access. Representatives from the 15 countries signed RCEP in November 2020. The signing came after more than 30 rounds of negotiation, which was launched in November 2012, as well as a number of specific leaders and ministerial meetings between the participating countries.
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