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NZIBF board chair Philip Gregan.
Major exporters are telling the new Government that they don't subscribe to the notion of "peak Free Trade Agreement (FTA)".
In a briefing to new Trade Minister Todd McClay, the NZ International Business Forum believes the country can still secure "comprehensive agreements" that would boost exports.
NZIBF members include Fonterra, Dairy Companies of NZ, Zespri, Meat Industry Association, NZ Apples and Pears, and NZ Winegrowers. The NZIBF board is chaired by NZ Winegrowrs chief executive Philip Gregan.
In the briefing. NZIBF acknowledges the good work done over the years to secure new markets for exporters.
However, it says it does not subscribe to the notion of peak FTA, where some trade analysts believe there aren't any likely or worthwhile deals on offer.
"The long period in which New Zealand has been able to negotiate transformative FTAs is, however, drawing to a close, and securing further trade liberalisation from similar arrangements with significant partners is likely to prove more difficult," NZIBF says.
"Even so, NZIBF has not given up on the cause of trade liberalisation or securing future, high quality and comprehensive agreements, which can take considerable time to develop, and which continue to create significant opportunities for exporters."
NZIBF says it was disappointed that its June 2021 research into possible new FTA partners was not taken more seriously by the previous government.
"We welcome the incoming Government's ambition in this area," it says.
NZIBF also points out the New Zealand is signatory to several plurilateral agreements for which there is continuing interest in accession, expansion and future upgrades.
"Accessions hold out opportunities for further liberalisation (for example, the prospect of Sri Lanka seeking to join RCEP, or Korea to join CPTPP).
"It is important that future accessions do not further diminish the quality of existing market access outcomes."
Meanwhile, NZIBF says for New Zealand exporters, the trading environment remains turbulent.
They continue to face increasing geo-political risk and a range of barriers and distortions in international markets, particularly remaining high tariffs in some sectors, non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and trade-distorting subsidies.
It says new areas of concern in the digital economy (e-commerce, paperless or data driven trade and cross border data flows) and in the nexus between trade and sustainability are becoming apparent and will require more attention by the incoming Government.
NZIBF says its members are involved in trade and climate-related initiatives such as green shipping and carbon accounting.
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.
The Government has announced it has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research.
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.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.
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