Australia-New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement 2.2.1983

This first day cover was issued to commemorate the signing of Australia – New Zealand Closer Economic Relations (ANZCER) Trade Agreement in 1983.
The Australia – New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement (known as ANZCERTA or the CER Agreement) is one of the most comprehensive bilateral free trade agreements in existence. It covers substantially all trans-Tasman trade in goods, including agricultural products, and was the first to include free trade in services.
The Agreement's central provision is the creation of a World Trade Organization (WTO)-consistent Free Trade Area encompassing Australia and New Zealand. Since ANZCERTA entered into force in 1983, the two way trade in goods between the two countries has expanded at an average annual growth rate of eight per cent.

Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Mr Lionel Bowen, and the New Zealand High Commissioner to Australia, Sir Laurie Francis, signed the Australia – New Zealand Closer Economic Relations (CER) Trade Agreement in Canberra on 28th March 1983.

Thank you Maria.