It’s been a busy but tough year for trade. Read our end-of-year roundup by Executive Director Stephen Jacobi.
What is ABAC? Stephen Jacobi explains.
Tradeworks executive director Stephen Jacobi explains why TPP negotiations across 11 countries can lead to a broader agreement for sustainable trade and inclusive growth amongst the 21 member economies involved at ABAC (APEC Business Advisory Council).
“Inclusive growth” was a key mantra embraced by the region’s business leaders, who discussed how economic policies, trade agreements and the digital economy could ensure that vulnerable communities aren’t left behind.
The four-day event was hosted in Auckland by Business NZ with support from Tradeworks, marking the first of four ABAC meetings in 2018.
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Latest News
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,...
Diplosphere: Tour de Force with Stephen Jacobi – Having Choice is a Key NZ Interest
Stephen Jacobi on APEC, WTO, doubling trade exports, big ideas like Southern Link, independent thinking & risks of a red line with AUKUS P2. This interview was recorded on Tue 19 Nov, 2024 in Wellington, NZ at Diplosphere HQ. Watch the full video here.
APEC Business Leaders Call for Bold Actions on Sustainable Growth and Economic Integration
Read the original article on the ABAC website here. Lima, 12 November 2024 — With challenges becoming increasingly borderless, business leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region are calling on APEC Leaders to take decisive actions to boost sustainable and inclusive...
CPTPP and the art of living dangerously
By Stephen Jacobi [1] As published by Newsroom, 6 December 2024 There’s not much shouting about TPP these days, but more passion would be a good thing. Time was when “TPPA” could bring tens of thousands to the streets. These days the annual Ministerial meeting...
NZIBF 2024 Chair Report
I am pleased to present my fourth report on the activities and achievements of the NZ International Business Forum (NZIBF) for 2023-24, our 17th year of operations. I am grateful to all Board and associate Members for your continuing commitment and support. This...
Reimagining the trans-Tasman relationship for two decades
Even the closest of relationships require advocacy. That applies equally to Australia – our greatest friend. That’s the job of the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum (ANZLF), whose Steering Committee met in Sydney last week. The ANZLF has come a long...
THE NEXT BIG IDEA – THE SOUTHERN LINK
If New Zealand is serious about doubling export value in the next ten years then we need some really big, new ideas. Doing more of the same, not that there is anything wrong with that, is just going to deliver the same result. Enter an idea whose time has...
ADDRESS TO THE 55TH ONE STOP UPDATE FOR THE ACCOUNTANT IN BUSINESS – GLOBAL ECONOMIC UPDATE
AUCKLAND, 21 OCTOBER 2024 STEPHEN JACOBI, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NZ INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS FORUM Watch the video of the address here. Introduction Thanks to Brightstar for the opportunity to be with you again, in person this time! I’ve spoken several times now at this...
NZ/GCC FREE TRADE AGREEMENT – EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE GULF
Building on earlier negotiations with the United Arab Emirates, New Zealand’s successful conclusion of negotiations for a NZ/Gulf Co-operation Council Free Trade Agreement should enable further expansion of trade with the GCC’s six members in the Middle East, says the...
TIES THAT BIND – EXPANDING CER TO ASEAN
For New Zealand to pay more attention to the economies of ASEAN (the ten-member Association of South East Asian nations) makes sense, particularly at a time when doing business around the world is tough and when we need all of our international connections to deliver...
NZ/UAE CEPA: A VALUABLE STEP FORWARD IN GULF – BUSINESS FORUM
Media release, 26 September 2024 In a challenging year for business, the successful conclusion of the NZ/UAE Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is a welcome bright spot and helps build a stronger foundation for this country’s trade in the Middle East, says...
SPOTLIGHT ON SUBSIDIES
With much of the world turning inwards and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in a parlous state, it could be tempting to relax New Zealand’s long-term struggle to rid the world of trade-distorting, environmentally harmful and financially wasteful subsidies. Not...
Address to NZ Apples and Pears Inc Conference, 30 July
GEO-POLITICAL, TRADE AND CONSUMER UPDATE Stephen Jacobi, Executive Director, NZ International Business Forum Introduction Thanks to the team at NZ Apples and Pears for the invitation to be with you today. I’m here to talk about the bigger picture against which your...
NON TARIFF BARRIERS – “YOU ARE NOT ALONE”
Non- tariff barriers (NTBS) have a pernicious effect on trade. Sometimes it seems that just as tariffs go down, an NTB springs up! They can be hard to identify and even harder to address. The red meat industry, New Zealand’s second largest export...
INTERNATIONAL TREATY EXAMINATION OF THE AGREEMENT ON THE INDO-PACIFIC ECONOMIC FRAMEWORK FOR PROSPERITY
SUBMISSION TO THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS, DEFENCE AND TRADE SELECT COMMITTEE - JULY 2024 Introduction This submission is made on behalf of the New Zealand International Business Forum (NZIBF) and ExportNZ. NZIBF, whose members are listed at Annex A,[1] is a forum of...
