Negotiations on the Australian Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Chile have been concluded, but the Australian government has been advised to review the agreement before ratifying it.

The Federal Parliament Joint Standing Committee on Treaties called on the government to address its objectives in a review of the FTA over the next two years, according to the Canberra Times.

While supporting ratification of the FTA, the committee had noted complaints from unions and farm groups, who are worried about the import of cheap Chilean produce and labour.

Wayne Prowse from Horticulture Australia said the long-term impacts of an FTA with Chile could be significant for Australian industry.

“There are obviously a lot of people concerned about it,” he told Fruitnet. “Long-term, if Chile gets access there’s a concern they can put more fruit into our market at lower price, which will impact our growers.”

“We have to recognise Chile has fruit and vegetables as about their fifth largest industry; it’s a significant part of their economy,” Mr Prowse explained.

“It’s going to take a while to impact, but there is a lot of concern, because they’ve got the capacity to export a lot here.”

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