A long-awaited free trade agreement between Australia and the EU had shown signs of serious progress, the trade minister says, as the European bloc indicates negotiations were gathering momentum.

Don Farrell has held talks with EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič on advancing the elusive pact, after negotiations previously fell over twice at the final hurdle.

Despite previous sticking points over sheep and beef exports, Senator Farrell said the discussions in Australia on the agreement showed there was optimism on a deal being struck.

"This was the second time that (commissioner Šefčovič) had come to the region in a month, which I took as a very positive sign that that he is serious about progressing the (agreement)," he told reporters in Melbourne on Friday.

"Is his time frame too am

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