Australia is a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and a participant in World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiations. Australia has concluded bi-lateral trade agreements with New Zealand and Singapore and most recently signed free trade agreements (FTA) with the US and Thailand. Negotiations over bilateral and multilateral trade agreements have the potential to affect how Australia develops and implements its cultural policies. This is because an unconditional commitment to free trade can restrict the ability of countries like Australia to retain, adapt or introduce new measures designed to support and foster our cultural industries. The AFC asserts that agreements on trade should not restrict Australia's right to enact cultural policy. Culture is a vital element of our national sovereignty, providing an opportunity for the expression of our regional, ethnic and historical diversity.