increase font size
Todd McClay says the notion of an FTA is a “fairly old” concept.
The days of high quality, ambitious comprehensive Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are over, says Trade Minister Todd McClay.
Speaking to Rural News at a Meat Industry Association (MIA) function in Wellington last week he says he's no longer using the word 'free' and instead is just talking about 'trade agreements' - a subtle but very significant nuance.
He says the notion of an FTA is a "fairly old" concept that was relevant in the heady days of trade liberalisation, but is not relevant in the new global context where there is greater emphasis on protectionism in trade.
McClay says the new order is demanding that NZ take a more aggressive, politically-led approach to opening opportunities for Kiwi exporters. He says it's similar in some ways to the 1970s and '80s when Britain joined the then EEC and NZ had to quickly find new markets for its primary produce. In those days there was a flurry of politicians heading to the UK, Europe and other parts of world to get new deals.
"The situation now is that we have got to put the effort in, show up and convince people about the benefits of trade and doing deals with NZ.
"If we sit at home leaving it to officials and hoping it will happen, inevitably we will get passed.
"So, you have seen the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister out on the world stage a lot looking for opportunities and opening doors for our negotiators, so that our exporters to be able to do more business," he says.
A major strategic target or the Government is India, says McClay. He says in the past nine months he's had five meetings with his counterpart in India and they now have a very constructive relationship. He says there are many things that NZ can do with India.
"We are now talking [about] how we can boost trade with India before we start talking about the architecture of what any trade deal may look like. But whatever we do, the primary food and fibre sector has to be an important part of that and the deal has to be meaningful, and India knows that."
A function at Parliament on 7th October brought together central government decision-makers, MPs, industry stakeholders and commercial partners to highlight the need for strategic investment in the future of Fieldays and its home, the Mystery Creek Events Centre campus.
Opening a new $3 million methane research barn in Waikato this month, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay called on the dairy sector to “go as fast as you can and prove the concepts”.
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they heed weather warnings today.
Applications have now opened for the 2026 Meat Industry Association scholarships.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
