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

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

Remove

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.

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

AMIDST THE STORM: ABAC MEETS IN AUCKLAND

Perhaps a cyclone was after all a fitting backdrop for the meeting of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) which was held in Auckland on 12-14 February – the global environment against which the meeting took place is decidedly stormy.  In the event the wind...

A YEAR FOR RECONNECTING

As I write this end of year dispatch, NZIBF is preparing to host the first meeting for 2023 of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC).  We are looking forward to welcoming the 200 or so business leaders and senior officials from APEC member economies across the...

NZ Herald: Time to lift our game in India

Following his recent visit to India our Executive Director Stephen Jacobi penned this article advocating a more strategic approach to the further development of the relationship. The article was published by the NZ Herald on 9 December.

APEC Rolls out Priorities for 2023

Issued by the Informal Senior Officials’ Meeting - Honolulu, The United States, 13 December 2022 Aiming to provide tailwinds for member economies to strengthen recovery and resilience, as well as advance broad-based economic growth, the United States rolled out its...

NZIBF 2022 Chair Report

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2022 CHAIR’S REPORT I am pleased to present my second report on the activities and achievements of the NZ International Business Forum (NZIBF) for 2022-23, our fifteenth year of operations.  At the outset I would like to thank Members for...

NZ BUSINESS LEADERS AT APEC 2022

New Zealand business will be represented at the APEC Leaders’ Week in Bangkok, commencing 13 November, by members of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). New Zealand’s three members – Rachel Taulelei, Malcolm Johns and Anna Curzon – supported by Stephen Jacobi...

Submission to MFAT for CPTPP Review

30 September 2022 Phil Mellor Economic Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Wellington (By email) Dear Phil, Thank you for your email of 1 September, seeking our comments on the three year review of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans...