France open to FTA with Australia

France had indicated it is willing to consider a free-trade agreement with Australia.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has met with her French counterpart Laurent Fabius in Paris, with the two agreeing on greater trade co-operation at the centre of European Union talks.

Mr Fabius says Australia is a major trading partner of France but it could do "even better" - and Prime Minister Tony Abbott's visit next week will help Australian investors boost their understanding of business in France.