Editorial: Keep FTAs coming
OPINION: The dairy industry will be a major beneficiary of a new free trade deal between NZ and the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC).
Trade Minister Todd McClay says Kiwi exporters will be $100 million better off today as the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) comes into force.
McClay says that New Zealand’s prosperity is dependent on international trade as it makes up 60% of the country’s total economic activity.
“It is only through a strong economy that we can reduce the cost of living and pay for quality public services like schools and hospitals,” he says.
“This is a significant achievement for New Zealand and follows more than 15 years of lobbying, persuading and negotiating.”
The agreement secures tariff reductions for kiwifruit, wine, seafood, and several other products and includes commitments on services and investment, ensuring that Kiwis can compete fairly in the EU market in these sectors.
To grow awareness of the opportunities the FTA presents, the Government will undertake an information campaign to help Kiwi businesses grow trade with the EU.
“Trade supports one in four kiwi jobs, and we rely on strong relationships with international partners to increase productivity, grow export opportunity, and boost the resilience of our economy,” McClay says.
The EU is New Zealand’s fourth-largest trade partner, with two-way goods and services trade worth $20.2 billion in 2022, accounting for 10.3% of New Zealand’s total trade in goods and services.
“The EU is an important and trusted partner for New Zealand. We look forward to deepening both economic and people-to-people connections further,” McClay says.
A governance group has been formed, following extensive sector consultation, to implement the recommendations from the Industry Working Group's (IWG) final report and is said to be forming a 'road map' for improving New Zealand's animal genetic gain system.
Free workshops focused on managing risk in sharefarming got underway last week.
Annual farmer gathering, the South Island Dairy Event (SIDE), is set to make history as it heads to Timaru for the first time.
Installing 400 solar panels at their Taranaki piggery and cropping operation will have significant environmental, financial and animal welfare benefits for the Stanley family.
WoolWorks, New Zealand’s largest wool-scouring company, has partnered with the Lions Club of Riverton to help raise money for much-needed repairs to the Southland town’s swimming pool.
OPINION: The dairy industry will be a major beneficiary of a new free trade deal between NZ and the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC).
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