Trade deal with EU would set example against protectionism: Australian Minister

Canberra, May 20 -- A free trade deal between Australia and the European Union (EU) would "set an example" for other countries to reject protectionism, says a senior Australian Minister.

Don Farrell, Australia's Minister for Trade and Tourism, said in an interview with Nine Entertainment newspaper that he would on Tuesday speak with his EU counterpart, Commissioner for Trade Maros Sefcovic, and invite him to Australia at the earliest opportunity to restart free trade talks.

"Europe and Australia are in a position to set an example for other countries, so the message gets out that protectionism is not the way to go," Farrell said.

Australia and the EU began negotiations on a landmark free trade agreement in 2018 before talks broke down in...