TRADE AND CLIMATE POLICIES NEED TO WORK TOGETHER – BUSINESS FORUM

A new report, commissioned by the NZ International Business Forum (NZIBF) and prepared by Adrian Macey, former Climate Change Ambassador and World Trade Organization (WTO) Lead Negotiator, shows that trade policy and actions to address climate change can be complementary.

“As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, trade can be part of the solution. This background paper explains the growing convergence between trade and climate policies and points out ways for business to play its part by engaging with the Government to ensure these policies work together”, said NZIBF Chair Philip Gregan.

“Both the WTO and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) are engaging in discussions with a trade dimension.  Environmental provisions in bilateral and plurilateral agreements are not new but have been increasing in detail.  Some economies have proposed border tariff adjustments. By engaging with the Government, we want to make sure that these provisions work for both climate and business, avoid creating new trade barriers and lead to new opportunities for carbon-efficient businesses”.

NZIBF welcomes the New Zealand Government’s recent initiatives in this space.

“Efforts to build consensus for an Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS) and New Zealand’s membership of a new Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate, announced at the recent WTO Ministerial, are all helpful steps forward.  NZIBF wants to bring a business voice to the table to support these initiatives”, concluded Mr Gregan.

Note: Adrian Macey’s full report may be found here.