As negotiations accelerate to conclude an ambitious free trade agreement between New Zealand and the European Union, the NZ International Business Forum (NZIBF), representing a cross section of major exporters, urges the Government and its negotiators to hold out for a commercially meaningful deal which expands market access for all exports and does not disadvantage or penalise any one sector.
CHINESE TAIPEI CPTPP APPLICATION WELCOME, SAYS BUSINESS FORUM

Media release, 23 September 2021
Chinese Taipei’s formal application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) raises the prospect of wider cutting-edge trade liberalisation in the Asia Pacific region, says Stephen Jacobi, Executive Director of the NZ International Business Forum (NZIBF).
“We welcome Chinese Taipei’s interest to join CPTPP, which clearly provides for the accession of new members, including separate customs territories, who can demonstrate they can meet its high standards. CPTPP is a pathway to the Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP) which ultimately needs to incorporate all economies in the region”, said Stephen Jacobi.
New Zealand and Chinese Taipei already have a high quality trade agreement and co-operate actively in APEC and the World Trade Organsation (WTO).
“New Zealand’s FTA with the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu has already provided excellent market access and given rise to an increase in bilateral trade. For the CPTPP bid to be successful, Chinese Taipei will need to demonstrate its ability to meet the high standards of other aspects of the Agreement. This is the same standard that applies to all CPTPP aspirants and Chinese Taipei’s application should be considered no differently”, said Mr Jacobi.
“We urge the New Zealand Government and other CPTPP partners to engage with Chinese Taipei according to the processes outlined in the Accession Protocol to deepen understanding of CPTPP’s provisions and obligations”, concluded Mr Jacobi.
REGISTER WITH TRADE WORKS
Register to stay up to date with latest news, as well as saving and discussing articles you’re interested in.
Latest News
NZ EU FTA COMING DOWN TO THE WIRE – HOLD THE LINE, SAYS BUSINESS FORUM
As negotiations accelerate to conclude an ambitious free trade agreement between New Zealand and the European Union, the NZ International Business Forum (NZIBF), representing a cross section of major exporters, urges the Government and its negotiators to hold out for...
WTO BACK IN BUSINESS – INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS FORUM
Media release, 19 June 2022 The NZ International Business Forum (NZIBF) welcomes the outcome of the World Trade Organization (WTO) 12th Ministerial Council meeting in Geneva and congratulates Trade Minister O’Connor and officials. “It’s great to see the WTO back in...
Address to the 50th One Stop Update for the Accountant in Business
ADDRESS TO THE 50TH ONE STOP UPDATE FOR THE ACCOUNTANT IN BUSINESS CHRISTCHURCH, WELLINGTON, AUCKLAND, MAY 2022 STEPHEN JACOBI EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NZ INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS FORUM ONE STOP GLOBAL ECONOMIC UPDATE Thanks to Brightstar for once again inviting me to...
Remarks by Rachel Taulelei to APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade, 21 May 2022
ABAC NEW ZEALAND REMARKS TO ABAC-MINISTERS RESPONSIBLE FOR TRADE DIALOGUE 21 MAY 2022 RACHEL TAULELEI ABAC NZ Chair, Ministers The Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP) remains the preeminent economic priority for the Asia-Pacific business community. It...
Deepening ECONOMIC INTEGRATION and EQUIPPING BUSINESS FOR DYNAMIC, INCLUSIVE and SUSTAINABLE GROWTH ARE KEY to ECONOMIC RECOVERY, say business leaders
Vancouver, 28 April 2022 –Asia-Pacific business leaders in the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), meeting this week in Vancouver, affirmed their determination to continue to work closely together to respond to the challenge of sustaining the region’s growth...
FROM APEC AND CPTPP TO IPEF – SMALL STEP OR GIANT LEAP?
The US idea of an Indo Pacific Framework (IPEF) continues to gain traction but is not without complication. Aotearoa-New Zealand is a great joiner - from the very beginning of the United Nations to the important economic institutions like the WTO, APEC, CPTPP and...
Remarks to Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee
NZ INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS FORUM REMARKS TO THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS, DEFENCE AND TRADE COMMITTEE INTERNATIONAL TREATY EXAMINATION OF THE NZ/UK FREE TRADE AGREEMENT 17 MARCH 2022 STEPHEN JACOBI EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Madam Chair, Members of the Committee Thank you for the...
Submission to the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee
INTERNATIONAL TREATY EXAMINATION OF THENEW ZEALAND UNITED KINGDOM FREE TRADE AGREEMENT MARCH 2022 Introduction and Summary 1. This submission is made on behalf of the New Zealand International Business Forum (NZIBF) whose members are listed at Annex A 1 . NZIBF is a...
BUSINESS FORUM COMMENDS RUSSIA SANCTIONS LEGISLATION
The NZ International Business Forum (NZIBF) has commended Parliament’s bipartisan Russia Sanctions legislation, targeting those involved in the invasion of Ukraine. “Tough times call for tough measures and this legislation is an appropriate response from New Zealand...
Remarks made by ABAC New Zealand Chair Rachel Taulelei to GS1 Retail Plenary, 25 February 2022
APEC BUSINESS ADVISORY COUNCIL ADDRESS TO GS1 RETAIL PLENARY25 FEBRUARY 2022 RACHEL TAULELEIABAC NZ HOW IDENTIFICATION AND TRUST ARE NEEDED TO ENABLE CROSS-BORDER TRADE E ngā mana, e ngā reo, rau rangatira mā, tēnā koutou katoa. It is a pleasure to be taking...
NZ/EU FTA – BLESSED BE THE CHEESEMAKERS
Will the NZ/EU FTA ever be finished, asks Stephen Jacobi. In the Monty Python film, “Life of Brian”, Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is poorly heard by some of the crowd, but the message is passed on: “Blessed be the cheese makers”. Two thousand years later cheesemakers...
BUSINESS FORUM APPLAUDS “HISTORIC” NZ UK FTA
The conclusion of the NZ UK Free Trade Agreement is a historic moment for NZ’s trade, says the NZ International Business Forum. “This new free trade agreement, negotiated and concluded in record time, delivers unprecedented access to the UK market and sets the stage...
ABAC I Media Release
APEC NEWS RELEASE Issued byThe APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) Embracing challenges, engaging collectively and enabling opportunities are key to Asia-Pacific success, say business leaders Singapore, 18 February 2022 – Asia-Pacific business leaders in the APEC...
GUEST POST: “Imagine if… Building a new future for Indigenous trade”
Indigenous business leaders from the APEC region contributed to the first-ever ABAC Indigenous Dialogue in July 2021. Carrie Stoddart-Smith imagines the wealth and well being Indigenous peoples could bring to international trade, if the opportunity is seized....
NZIBF 2021 Chair Report
The NZIBF Board meets with Indian High Commissioner H E Muktesh Paredeshi at its last meeting for 2021.ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 15 DECEMBER 2021 CHAIR’S REPORT I am pleased to present my first report on the activities and achievements of the NZ International Business...