Potential UAE trade deal would boost red meat exports
The red meat sector is welcoming the start of trade negotiations between New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The outcome of the British election is not likely to have any major impact on New Zealand’s negotiations for a free trade agreement, says trade expert Stephen Jacobi.
The bigger issue for NZ is how soon the UK can get out of the EU, says Jacobi, a former diplomat, a policy adviser and executive director of the NZ International Business Forum and the NZ China Council.
“Until they have achieved that they are not really in a position for negotiating with NZ. Certainly a lot of preparatory work can be done but no formal negotiations can start.”
A big question mark also hangs over what British policies will be like after they leave the EU.
“They have a certain set of policies in relation to economic matters as a result of their membership of the EU. But how are they going to change those in the future?
“Until all those things are sorted out it is hard to see how we will be able to negotiate an FTA with them.
“So I don’t think the election result has a bearing on that other than it makes it a little more difficult to negotiate a quick exit from the EU.”
That exit will not be easy to negotiate.
“A weakened mandate for the government does not help but they still will be the government provided they get the support from the Northern Ireland party and they can continue to pass things through parliament. If they have a workable majority it shouldn’t make much difference.”
In any event leaving the EU is extremely complicated.
“I find that difficult to believe. I think our negotiation of an FTA with Britain is a long time in the future.”
'A lot of interest and positive responses' appears to be the way farmers are viewing the Government's initiative to hold a series of woolshed meetings around the country.
A Southland farming leader wants the regional council to delay a proposed regional rates hike, much of which is intended to fund flood protection works.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) says access to personal banking services in rural communities is fundamental to promoting outcomes that benefit Kiwi consumers.
A group set up to boost education and promotion of wool says it has made positive strides during the first year of its three-year strategy.
Meat processor ANZCO Foods says despite a challenging business environment, it has posted a net profit before tax of $61 million for 2023.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
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