14th Malaysia-Australia Joint Trade Committee The 14th Malaysia-Australia Joint Trade Committee (JTC) was held in October 2008 in Kuala Lumpur was seen as timely and a catalyst to invigorate the Malaysia-Australia FTA negotiations following the conclusion of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA (AANZFTA) negotiations. The Malaysian delegation was led by YB Tan Sri Dato Muhyiddin Yassin, Minister of International Trade and Industry while the Australian delegation was led by the Hon. Simon Crean, MP, Minister of Trade. The ministers exchanged views on the outcome of recent negotiations on the AANZFTA and Malaysia-Australia FTA; and touched on developments and cooperation in regional and multilateral trade while reviewing the decisions from the 13th JTC. They also agreed to expedite negotiations and resolve outstanding tariff issues. The last JTC was held in Adelaide, Australia in 2006. A Joint Statement by Malaysia-Australia Business Council (MABC) and Australia Malaysia Business Council (AMBC) during the JTC was presented by MABC Chairman, Datuk Mohamed Zain Yusuf. Download the Summary Record of the 14th Malaysia-Australia Joint Trade Committee meeting Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd Shares Vision for Australia-Malaysia Cooperation More than 350 guests comprising captains of trade and industry packed the joint MABC-AMBC luncheon to hear visiting Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd MP articulate his vision for closer bilateral and multi-lateral cooperation. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd who was on his maiden official visit said both countries shared long, enduring ties and looked forward to jointly shaping regional and global initiatives to meet key economic, political and security challlenges. He reiterated Australia’s vision for the strengthening of the Asia Pacific community to face the challenges of the region in 2020 and beyond and advocated the inclusion of major players such as the USA, India, China, Japan and Australia to participate in regional forums to discuss future challenges. The Prime Minister also acknowledged the MABC and AMBC’s efforts in promoting the economic ties of both countries. View the text of Prime Minister’s speech