Trade update | 22 July 2022

Consultation on Sustainable Food Systems provision in Australia EU FTA
DFAT’s Office of Trade Negotiations has requested a consultation with ACCI on the provision of ‘Sustainable Food Systems’ in the Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement. This is a new area of FTA practice for both the EU and Australia, reflecting our shared interests in the sustainability of food systems. All stages of the food system are to be explored, including but not limited to – agricultural production through to food processing, distribution, consumption and food loss and waste. Food system innovations, financing and Indigenous practices are also of interest. ACCI’s Trade Policy and International team will be engaging with the DFAT negotiators. Interested members are encouraged to express an interest in participating before 29 July.

Call for nominations BIAC Vice Chair roles
Vice-chair leadership roles are available in the BIAC Chemicals Committee, Education Committee, SME Committee, and Governance and Regulatory Policy Committee. Members who would like to nominate should express an interest to the Trade Policy and International Relations team by Interested members are encouraged to apply by 24 August.

Vice Chair, Governance and Regulatory Policy Committee 
The Governance and Regulatory Policy Committee contributes to the OECD’s work on developing a global vision for regulatory policy and governance, and to advocate for competitive and transparent regulations that support business, entrepreneurship and innovation. BIAC is looking for an additional Vice Chair to ensure strong, effective and representative leadership of the Committee. Given the nature of the discussion in the Committee, the incoming Vice Chair should have extensive experience in the field of global policy-making, regulation and governance. 

The Committee is currently led by the Chair Dr. Yılmaz Argüden, Chairman of Rothschild Investment Bank in Turkey and ARGE Consulting, and the Vice Chair Mr. Aidan Sweeney, Head of Enterprise and Regulatory Affairs at the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (Ibec). 

Vice Chair, SME Committee  
The SME Committee provides expert support and input to the wide range of OECD activities on SME and entrepreneurship. The Committee’s scope encompasses SME finance, digitalization of SMEs, participation in global value chains, administrative hurdles for SMEs, employment policies, and targeted SME support in the context of Covid-19 and beyond, including long-term recovery efforts. The SME committee also engages with the OECD on joint initiatives, such as “Digital for SMEs” (D4SME).

BIAC is looking for a Vice-Chair candidate to further support its work on SMEs. The Committee is chaired by Mr. Patrik Kovács, Hungarian National Association of Entrepreneurs and Employers (VOSZ), who is supported by two Vice-Chairs: Mr. Lars Jagrén, Confederation of Swedish Enterprise and Mr. Fernando Antonio Treviño Núñez, Rivadeneyra Treviño y de campo (Mexico). 

Vice Chair(s), Education Committee
The Education Committee brings together the experience and perspectives of employers to support and help shape the OECD’s flagship surveys, analyses, and recommendations in the area of education and skills. The objective is to spur policy reforms related to education curricula and teaching, and to bring forward business evidence on the necessary skills and competencies to enhance the employability of individuals, including a focus on youth. The Education Committee also provides a unique channel through which to contribute to the OECD’s work and recommendations on education and skills, in today’s evolving learning and work environments, in light of the ongoing digital transformation, environment and climate challenges.

In light of the upcoming OECD Education Ministerial taking place in December of this year, BIAC is looking for two additional Vice-Chair candidates to support its work in the area of education and skills. The committee is currently chaired by Mr. Charles Fadel, Founder & Chairman, Center for Curriculum Redesign (United States), who is supported by Prof. Dr. Gerhard Riemer, Consultant, Federation of Austrian Industries, Vice-Chair.

Vice Chair, Chemicals Committee  
The Chemicals Committee enables private sector access to a wide range of OECD activities on chemical management and safety. The Committee contributes to the development of policies and instruments for chemical testing and assessment, fosters information exchange, and provides a framework for private sector exchanges. The chemicals industry is one of the world’s major economic sectors, and it is committed to acting responsibly, transparently, and in partnership with governments to ensure that its products meet the necessary safety requirements.

BIAC is looking for a Vice-Chair candidate to succeed Ms. Shinoi Sakata, Japan Chemical Industry Association (Japan) and Ms. Shannon Watt, Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (Canada). The Committee is chaired by Jay West, ACC (United States) with the support of the Vice Chairs Kai-Sebastian Melzer, Nickel Institute (Belgium) and Ladislav Novák, SPCR (Czech Republic).