NZ red meat sector hits out at US tariff hike
New Zealand's red meat sector says the United States' decision to increase tariffs on New Zealand exports is disappointing.
"It was great to get a phone call from the Prime Minister on Sunday, asking me to carry on as Primary Industries and Racing Minister," Guy says.
"We should be proud of our primary industries as the backbone of New Zealand's economy. They generate around 73% of our merchandise exports, and help pay for things like schools, hospitals and roads.
"Since becoming the Minister early last year I've spent a lot of time listening to industry and developing strong relationships right across the sector.
"My focus will remain strongly on doubling the value of our exports to $64 billion by 2025. I want to push ahead with water storage and irrigation projects, deliver real value from Primary Growth Partnership (PGP) projects, lift the output of Māori agribusiness, and attract more skilled people to the primary sector.
"I will keep working closely with Trade Minister Tim Groser on trade agreements and market access, particularly with Korea and the TPP.
"Biosecurity will remain my number one priority. We need to keep beefing up our protection at the border and working smarter and more efficiently to protect our producers.
"Racing contributes more than $1.6 billion to the economy and supports around 17,000 fulltime equivalent jobs.
"As Racing Minister I will be addressing the issue of gambling leakage. The industry is missing out on much-needed revenue as more people gamble on unregulated and unauthorised offshore websites. We'll be working with industry on workable solutions to this challenge.
"I'm looking forward to carrying on working with my colleague Jo Goodhew, who is now the Minister for Food Safety as well as Associate Minister for Primary Industries."
