The Abbott government is seeking the support of Gulf nations to restart negotiations on a free trade deal eight years after they began.

Talks with the Gulf Co-operation Council – comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates – began under the Howard government in July 2007.

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But the last full round of negotiations were held in May-June 2009.

A spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade told AAP on Thursday talks were under way with the GCC about Australia’s interest in relaunching the negotiations.

“But no date for the resumption of negotiating sessions has been set,” the spokesman said.

Merchandise trade with countries in the GCC is worth more than $12 billion a year.

The Gulf states are a key market for Australian live animal exports and other agricultural products worth about $2 billion.

They have also been important for passenger car exports.

Australian businesses are keen to get better access for minerals and services such as education, engineering and construction.