Editorial: Live animal exports fight
OPINION: A public battle is playing out between supporters and opponents of live animal experts.
An upgraded free trade agreement (FTA) between New Zealand and China comes into force from April 7.
"This upgrade is a significant step for us and forms part of a body of work we're doing to drive our economic recovery from Covid," Trade and Export Minister Damien O'Connor says.
The date was agreed in a virtual meeting last week between O'Connor and his Chinese counterpart, Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao.
Goods and services exports between China and New Zealand reached $20.1 billion in the year ending June 2021. O'Connor says New Zealand businesses will benefit from up-to-date rules underpinning trade.
"This upgrade modernises the original 2008 New Zealand-China FTA to ensure it remains fit for purpose," he says.
The upgrade also includes new market access commitments in goods and services, and additional trade facilitation measures.
"In terms of goods, the upgrade will deliver further market access improvements, resulting in tariff-free access for 99 percent of New Zealand's $4 billion wood and paper trade to China, once fully implemented.
"Our existing FTA will also be augmented by new chapters in e-commerce, competition policy, government procurement and the environment."
Fonterra says the US continues to be an important market for New Zealand dairy and the co-op.
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand's trade interests are best served in a world where trade flows freely.
New Zealand's red meat sector says it is disappointed by the United States' decision to impose tariffs on New Zealand exports.
OPINION: Farmers nationwide will be rubbing their hands with glee at the latest news from the Government about the RMA reforms.
Holstein Friesian NZ and Link Livestock have agreed on a strategic partnership to provide HFNZ members with comprehensive services from one of New Zealand's most respected dairy men.
Rural retailer Farmlands has launched a new casual clothing range available across 42 stores nationwide and through its online store.
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OPINION: The good times felt across the dairy sector weren't lost at last week's Beef + Lamb NZ annual meeting.