Trump tariffs
OPINION: Former politicians seem incapable of staying away from the limelight after they retire.
New Zealand is in the process of renegotiating the free trade agreement with China, Prime Minister John Key says.
He told a China Business Summit in Auckland today that FTA has been so massively successful; we have done a lot better than most parties thought.
"We are in the process of renegotiating the FTA. I think it is very important; it is the next milestone."
Chinese ambassador to New Zealand Wang Lutong said we will be the first developed nation to renegotiate a bi-lateral agreement with China.
Key said two-way investment would be very important and the next step in the relationship.
Talking about Fonterra's decision to invest into Chinese infant formula company Beingmate Key said the Chinese company is a massive player and Fonterra is a huge global player. "If you want access to international markets you want integration and you want it fast."
With the infant baby formula, there had been changes from the Chinese Government which had seen some consolidation. He said the market was growing rapidly and there won't be lots and lots of players, there would be a few.
A verbal stoush has broken out between Federated Farmers and a new group that claims to be fighting against cheaper imports that undermine NZ farmers.
According to the latest ANZ Agri Focus report, energy-intensive and domestically-focused sectors currently bear the brunt of rising fuel, fertiliser and freight costs.
Having gone through a troublesome “divorce” from its association and part ownership of AGCO, Indian manufacturer TAFE is said to be determined to be seen as a modern business rather than just another tractor maker from the developing world.
Two long-standing New Zealand agricultural businesses are coming together to strengthen innovation, local manufacturing capability, and access to essential farm inputs for farmers across the country.
A new farmer-led programme aimed at bringing young people into dairy farming is under way in Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
The Government has announced changes to stock exclusion regulations which it claims will cut unnecessary costs and inflexible rules while maintaining environmental protections.

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