New Zealand’s trade agenda continues to gain positive momentum as Minister for Trade and Export Growth Damien O’Connor travels to Europe, Canada and Australia to advance New Zealand’s economic interests New Zealand.
“Our trade program has excellent momentum and is a key part of the government’s broader plan to help provide economic security for New Zealanders as the world faces global disruption and uncertainty,” said Damien O. ‘Connor.
“New Zealand goods and services are in demand around the world. We continue to improve market access for Kiwi businesses and build on the gains we have made through the upgraded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the UK, CPTPP, RCEP and FTA with China. We see this as the key to our future economic security.
“In Belgium, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and I will take our New Zealand-EU FTA forward with European leaders, after extensive remote work to date from New Zealand.
“To underscore our strong commitment to concluding negotiations ensuring the best possible deal for New Zealand exporters, I will meet with the Executive Vice-President and Commissioner for Trade of the European Commission, Valdis Dombrovskis, and the European Commissioner for Agriculture , Janusz Wojciechowski.
“The New Zealand-EU Free Trade Agreement is also of wider importance at this time of geopolitical uncertainty, and it is crucial that like-minded partners such as New Zealand and EU, continue to promote the rules-based international system.
“I will also be visiting the UK to further promote two-way trade, business and people-to-people links, following the signing of our historic FTA between New Zealand and the UK in February.
“In Ottawa, I will meet with the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, Mary Ng, to strengthen bilateral trade, including through the Comprehensive Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement and progressive (CPTPP). I will also be traveling to Toronto to engage with Kiwi businesses, with a particular focus on the technology sector.
“Bilateral trade with Canada was valued at just under $1.6 billion for the year ending September 2021, making it an important trading partner, but our services exports have been hit throughout. throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This trip will help us reconnect with Canada by learning and supporting New Zealand businesses on the ground in this market,” said Damien O’Connor.
The final leg of Damien O’Connor’s journey will see him join the Prime Minister at the annual Australia-New Zealand Leadership Forum in Sydney.
His departure is scheduled for Friday, June 24 for Europe.
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