Saturday, 31 October 2015 10:14

FTA talks between NZ and EU

Written by 
New Zealand Trade Minister Tim Groser. New Zealand Trade Minister Tim Groser.

A free trade agreement could be on the cards for New Zealand and the EU, says the Delegation of the European Union to New Zealand.

Trade Minister, Tim Groser, met with EU Trade Commissioner, Cecilia Malmströmn, this week in Brussels to discuss the potential of a bilateral free trade agreement.

The meeting followed an announcement earlier by John Key, the European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker and the European Council president Donald Tusk.

Key, Juncker and Tusk announced their shared commitment to engage in the process leading towards a high-quality free trade agreement.

Both sides agreed that the future deal should comprehensively address all of the issues concerning the current trade and investment relation.

The shared aim is to create rules that correspond to the reality of global supply chains and the increasing international interdependence in manufacturing and provision of services.

The future agreement would also promote transparency of rules, the fight against corruption and coherence between economic benefits, workers' rights and environmental protection.

Malmström, and Groser also used this opportunity to exchange views on the preparation for the upcoming 10th Ministerial Conference of the World Tarde Organisation (WTO) and the ongoing talks on a Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA) in which both the EU and New Zealand participate.

More like this

Editorial: Elusive India FTA

OPINION: Without doubt, a priority of the Government this year will be to gain traction on the elusive free trade deal with India.

Tariff risk

OPINION: Some commentators across the ditch reckon the second Trump administration's anticipated trade protectionism, coupled with China's economic fragility, poses a significant risk for Australia's agricultural export industries.

UAE trade deal - a game changer

OPINION: In a landmark move that could reshape New Zealand’s agricultural export landscape, the recently signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates opens up unprecedented opportunities for our farming and dairy sectors.

UAE FTA signed

New Zealand’s free trade deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has now been signed.

Featured

Farmers seeking end to riverbed litigation

Landowners with farms bordering the Hoteo River, north of Auckland, are hopeful their pressure will influence the outcome of two applications by local iwi relating to ownership of the riverbed.

Youngest contestant proves age is no barrier

A Massey University student has inched closer to national victory after being crowned Taranaki-Manawatu's top young farmer, despite being the youngest competitor in the field.

New CEO for Safer Farms

Safer Farms, the industry-led organisation dedicated to fostering a safer farming culture, has appointed Brett Barnham as its new chief executive.

National

Massey courses meet industry needs

Massey University is regarded by many as New Zealand’s leading tertiary education and research institute for the country’s primary industries.

Machinery & Products

What's the correct bolt to use?

You cannot go far in farming without encountering fasteners such as nuts and bolts, given that expensive plant, machinery and…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Sacrificed?

OPINION: Henry Dimbleby, author of the UK's Food Strategy, recently told the BBC: "Meat production is about 85% of our…

Entitled much?

OPINION: For the last few weeks, we've witnessed a parade of complaints about New Zealand's school lunch program: 'It's arriving…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter