NZ interests best served when trade flows freely - McClay
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand's trade interests are best served in a world where trade flows freely.
Almost a year to the day from when he made his first trip to India, Trade Minister Todd McClay is jetting off there again just before Christmas.
This is part of an ongoing programme to build relationships with one of the world’s most powerful economies and a country NZ would dearly love to get a Free Trade Agreement with.
This will be Todd McClay’s fourth trip to India within a year.
Speaking to Rural News, just before he left, he said the relationship between the two countries is in a much better space than it was a year ago. He says his talks will centre around ways that the two countries can trade more and says already some barriers have come down with logging exports able to go there now.
“But it’s too soon to be talking about any kind of trade architecture, however the Indian government is clear that our relationship with them is a priority across all facets including trade,” he says.
McClay says cultural ties between the two nations are strong and says the visit here of the Indian President and Christopher Luxon’s meeting with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi all point to a growing relationship. He says Mr Modi has personally invited Mr Luxon to visit India and says this will happen in the new year. McClay says accompanying our PM will be a large business delegation.
“All this points to the fact that we are heading in the right direction,” he says.
Fonterra says the US continues to be an important market for New Zealand dairy and the co-op.
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand's trade interests are best served in a world where trade flows freely.
New Zealand's red meat sector says it is disappointed by the United States' decision to impose tariffs on New Zealand exports.
OPINION: Farmers nationwide will be rubbing their hands with glee at the latest news from the Government about the RMA reforms.
Holstein Friesian NZ and Link Livestock have agreed on a strategic partnership to provide HFNZ members with comprehensive services from one of New Zealand's most respected dairy men.
Rural retailer Farmlands has launched a new casual clothing range available across 42 stores nationwide and through its online store.
OPINION: At last, a serious effort to better connect farmers and scientists.
OPINION: If you believe Maori Party president John Tamihere’s claim that “nothing dodgy” occurred at Manurewa Marae during the last…