ANZ has expressed support for the newly announced free trade agreement between Australia and the United Kingdom. The bank believes this deal will open new avenues for Australian businesses.
Mark Whelan, ANZ Group Executive Institutional, stated: “ANZ has been a trade bank since our inception and our relationship with the UK is deeply rooted in that important part of our history. This trade agreement will create new opportunities for our customers by eliminating some of the barriers they face moving goods and capital to and from the UK."
Whelan also mentioned that “the removal of tariffs over time will give Australian exporters greater access to the UK market and consumers, driving job creation and providing growth prospects in particular for sectors such as tourism, agriculture and professional services.”
Richard Dawson, ANZ Head of UK & Europe, commented: “The UK is a key market for many of our customers. We look forward to continuing to support them as they accelerate their ambitions across the UK and Australian markets.”
This agreement marks the first significant bilateral deal negotiated by the UK since its exit from the EU. It aims to increase trade volume beyond its current £20 billion.
ANZ's headquarters are located in Melbourne, with a presence in the UK dating back to 1835.