EYES OPENED DURING INDIA VISIT

Remove

Executive Director Stephen Jacobi read out on the recent Delhi business mission, published earlier by Newsroom.

read more

Oh, What A Lovely War

by | Aug 1, 2016 | Trade Working Blog, Uncategorized

Remove

free-thinkingWho spoke to whom about what in China has over recent weeks fuelled some intense speculation and even political fallout about whether there is a looming trade war.

Mercifully the Chinese Government – through the Ambassador in Wellington – has now dismissed the claim that China would retaliate against New Zealand food if we proceed with an anti-dumping action on steel.

What lessons can we learn from all this?

First, trade disputes may arise, particular when global supply and demand pressures are brought to bear.  Fortunately we have the rules, protocols and processes to deal with them and to ensure that they do not escalate into trade wars.  That’s the chief advantage of trade agreements which detractors fail to grasp.  Rules are better, especially for smaller economies, than no rules at all.

The second lesson is that when it comes to dealing with China we need to realise that this is a big country with layers of officialdom. The random acts of individual officials do not necessarily reflect the considered policy of the Chinese Government.   It is good to see that our leading exporters in China have people on the ground who are alert to potential risks and in close contact with government agencies.

The third lesson, and one we have learned with a number of large economies including the United States, the European Union, Indonesia and even our good friends Australia, is that we are not without protection from the WTO in the event trade disputes are not possible to solve at the bilateral level.

In these circumstances a clear head, a firm resolve and the rule-book are the best ways to meet any challenges head on.

 

This post was written by Stephen Jacobi, Executive Director of the NZ International Business Forum and Executive Director of the NZ China Council.

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

EYES OPENED DURING INDIA VISIT

Published by Newsroom on 6 September 2023 Stephen Jacobi reports on the recent business delegation to India. Every country has its contrasts and a subcontinent of 1.4 billion with thousands of years of history has more than most.  Today’s India can reach the...

Large business delegation bound for India

MEDIA RELEASE - Tuesday 22 August, 2023 Fifty business representatives will leave later this week bound for Delhi, making it one of the largest delegations ever to head for India. The delegation, comprising members and senior leaders of five business organisations,...

India and New Zealand: The next innings

As published in the NZ Herald, 18 August 2023 By Stephen Jacobi As a trade mission prepares to depart for Delhi, Stephen Jacobi of the New Zealand International Business Forum considers the prospects for growing two-way trade and investment between India and New...

CRUNCH TIME FOR CPTPP

As published in the NZ Herald, 18 August 2023. By Stephen Jacobi, Executive Director, NZ International Business Forum. Following the Ministers’ meeting in Auckland, what is the outlook for CPTPP as the world’s most ambitious free trade agreement? When Ministers...

CER CELEBRATES A RUBY ANNIVERSARY

The Australia-New Zealand Leadership, the semi-annual gathering of Ministers and business leaders, has been described as a “successful symbol of trans-Tasman togetherness[1]”.  And the togetherness vibe was certainly present when the Forum gathered in Wellington...

CRUNCH TIME FOR CPTPP

This post was published by Hinrich Foundation on 18 July 2023. Following the Ministers’ meeting in Auckland, what is the outlook for CPTPP as the world’s most ambitious free trade agreement ? By Stephen Jacobi When APEC Trade Ministers gathered for their annual...