Australian DIRD secretary comments on protectionist policies in Asia

Australia's Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development secretary Mike Mrdak, speaking at the CAPA Australia Pacific Aviation Summit, stated (08-Aug-2014) that he "wants to work towards an open capacity agreement with China… Hong Kong is another priority for us… [We are] looking for a very expansive deal for Hong Kong, including access for Jetstar… [We] want to see opportunities for carriers to operate into Hong Kong. Mr Mrdak noted, "Hong Kong remains one of the most protectionist regimes in Asia, if not globally". Mr Mrdak added that he was "worried about global trend of LCCs being undermined by protectionist policies in other parts of the world".