Options for FTA Modernisation to Strengthen Critical Mineral Supply Chains
Project Overview
This research project, led by the University of New South Wales (UNSW), provides evidence-based recommendations for modernising Australia's Free Trade Agreements with Southeast Asian partners to better facilitate critical mineral supply chains essential for the Indo-Pacific green economy transition. It is supported by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade under the Southeast Asia FTA Modernisation Grants Program.
Key Objectives
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Inform Australia's Southeast Asia trade and investment agenda to 2040 through comprehensive analysis of current FTA frameworks and identification of modernisation opportunities
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Develop a prioritisation framework for FTA modernisation and enhancement that aligns with Australia's economic and strategic interests
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Support trade liberalisation and economic integration by identifying barriers and proposing practical solutions for critical mineral supply chains
Deliverables
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📋 Inception Report September 2025 | View online • Download PDF | Establishes the implementation framework and refined analytical approach, including pathfinder sector methodology that maintains critical minerals as the analytical anchor while systematically identifying cross-sectoral patterns and solutions.
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📊 Evidence Review: Trade Barriers and Opportunities for Critical Minerals Supply Chain Integration | Living Document - First published October 2025 | View online • Download PDF | Analysis of trade barriers, processing opportunities, and FTA modernisation pathways for critical minerals supply chains in Southeast Asia. Updated monthly as consultation findings and additional evidence emerge. Documents regulatory barriers, regional processing landscape, sustainability dimensions, and available policy instruments.
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📝 Cross-Departmental Roundtable Concept Note | November 2025 | View online • Download PDF | Concept note for DFAT review proposing a cross-departmental roundtable to examine FTA modernisation opportunities. Informed project recalibration discussions with DFAT in November 2025.
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📅 Inter-Departmental Roundtable Meeting Packet | December 2025 | View online • Download PDF | Prepared meeting packet for inter-departmental roundtable participants. Note: By mutual agreement with DFAT, inter-departmental consultation has been postponed to prioritise industry engagement.
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📋 Consultation Summary: Industry Perspectives on FTA Modernisation | December 2025 | View online • Download PDF | Synthesises stakeholder perspectives gathered through individual consultations, desk research on published industry positions, and themes for validation at the December 19 virtual roundtable. Validates and enriches the Evidence Review through direct industry voices across mining, METS, financial, renewable energy, and Southeast Asian sectors.
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📊 Second Progress Report | December 2025 | View online • Download PDF | Second progress report for the grant period 7 October – 6 December 2025. Documents project recalibration following DFAT guidance, including industry-first consultation approach and focus on behind-the-border barriers.