High hopes for trade

Guy told Rural News that Prime Minister Bill English had two ‘fantastic’ weeks in Europe recently, where he met his counterparts.

NZ has strong historic relationships with Britain and the EU, both important markets for NZ, Guy says.

“Relationships are going to be important, and English met British PM Theresa May at 10 Downing Street, where they hit it off. I also had a good discussion with my counterpart there and I will be in Europe and UK mid-year.

“More ministers and officials will visit Europe to work on relationships and trade.”

Guy says a recipe for success in sorting out trade issues with the UK and EU is having industry and government officials and politicians giving out the same messages.

A technical working group set up soon after the UK Brexit vote is proving useful.

“This involves key officials from MPI, MFAT and NZTE to ensure we are aligned because it is pointless to have industry running off and talking to someone without the left hand knowing what the right hand is doing,” he says. “We need a united front where industry and government work constructively together to protect our long term access and enhance further discussions.”

Guy says NZ’s longstanding sheepmeat quota in the EU is valuable and needs to be protected. He sees opportunity for growth in the EU and UK, but says NZ must work constructively on the details.

Guy says things in Asia are better, with that region open for business. Work is underway on upgrading the FTA with China and Guy expects a sorting of protocols on chilled meat exports.