NZ EU FTA COMING DOWN TO THE WIRE – HOLD THE LINE, SAYS BUSINESS FORUM

by | Jun 28, 2022 | Featured Articles, Media Releases, NZIBF

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.

“A high quality and comprehensive FTA with the EU would be of significant benefit to the economy, but if it is to be worthwhile it must create new market access for all sectors, eliminate or significantly reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers and lead to increased trade and investment”, said NZIBF Executive Director Stephen Jacobi.

 Mr Jacobi said negotiations appeared to be entering a final phase and NZIBF Members were in Brussels to provide advice to negotiators.

 “This has been a complex negotiation. We appreciate the efforts of negotiators who are working around the clock, but substance needs to drive this final phase.  If there is not a commercially meaningful offer for our major exports able to be seized at this point, negotiations will need to continue their work”.

 Mr Jacobi said a successful outcome would need to address New Zealand’s major export concerns for dairy, fish, horticulture, meat, wine and manufactured products as well as services.

 “We urge negotiators not to settle for a low quality deal which would create an unhelpful precedent for future negotiations with other partners” concluded Mr Jacobi.

0 Comments

REGISTER WITH TRADE WORKS

Register to stay up to date with latest news, as well as saving and discussing articles you’re interested in.

 

Remove

 

Latest News

T Day has come

STOP PRESS – NOT SO FAST.  This post deals with the tariffs President Trump announced on 1 February he would impose on Canada, Mexico and China.  By 4 February he announced imposition of tariffs on Canada and Mexico would be suspended for 30 days (until 5 March). ...

Back to the future?

The end of 2024 has trade advocates reaching back to their 2016 taking points as an Administration of a depressingly protectionist hue prepares to take office in the United States, once the global champion for trade liberalisation.  We do not know for now what,...