Eric Hutchinson (Lyons, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As most would know, three free trade agreements were signed recently with South Korea, Japan and most recently China. I was very pleased to have the Minister for Trade and Investment, Andrew Robb, in my electorate the week before last at Reid Fruits in the small town of Plenty. Reid Fruits has been exporting cherries to South Korea for about five years but has been able to do only about five tonnes a year. As a result of the ratification of the free trade agreement with South Korea, and the consequent removal of the 24 per cent tariff on cherries, it has hit 190 tonnes in 2015. The free trade agreement has meant a better price and greater confidence and capacity to invest and expand Reid's business, which means more jobs for more locals in Tasmania. It is an outstanding result. Reid Fruits currently employs 20 full-time equivalents and will look to increase that. Reid has 600 people working there during the peak of the season. Tasmania is leading the nation in business confidence. Small and medium enterprises are burgeoning. They are willing to invest with a strong state government and a federal government that is willing to invest in infrastructure.

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! In accordance with standing order 43, the time for members’ statements has concluded.