OPPOSITION deputy leader Julie Bishop said economic diplomacy would a core feature of Australia's international relations if elected to power on September 14.

Ms Bishop made the statement at an Agforce conference in Roma today where she criticised the Labor Federal Government for its lack of action on free trade agreements with China, Japan and South Korea.

"Australia started its FTA negotiations with China in 2005 as did New Zealand, but New Zealand signed theirs in 2008 while ours is still in (Trade) Minister Emerson's in-tray," Ms Bishop said.

"He called New Zealand's agreement a 'trophy' but New Zealand's trade has trebled into China.

"Mr Emerson is realising at last New Zealand got it right."

Ms Bishop was also critical of stalled FTA negotiations with South Korea.

"The only reason it has stopped is an ideological one," she said.

"The government is paranoid tobacco companies will use the Korean FTA to object against cigarette plain packaging."

Ms Bishop said the US beef industry was is at an advantage over Australia because it has already signed a FTA with Korea, meaning the 40 per cent tariff on imports will reduce to zero over 15 years.  

"The government is putting its own interests ahead of exports - it's a disgrace," she said.

Ms Bishop said if elected the Coalition would also address the live cattle issues into Indonesia.

"We have to be at the front of the queue before Indonesia looks at cattle elsewhere," she said.

"Australia must play to its strengths and agriculture is one of its strengths."