increase font size
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay.
Trade Minister Todd McClay departs today to visit the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Following his appointment as a WTO Vice Chair, McClay is travelling to prepare for the 13th Ministerial Conference of the WTO, being held in Abu Dhabi in February.
While in Geneva, McClay will meet key leaders within the World Trade Organisation including the Director General, Deputy Director General, and the heads of key Regional Groups in the WTO, as well as Pacific Representatives.
“The WTO remains at the core of New Zealand’s trade and economic interests,” says McClay. “A functioning rules-based system delivers benefits for our businesses and exporters, as well as the broader economy.”
“My visit provides the opportunity to influence and drive positive outcomes at the upcoming WTO Ministerial Meeting, especially around domestic agricultural production that supports the interests of both developing and developed countries,” he says.
McClay will then travel to Dubai to meet with Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, to discuss New Zealand’s support for the UAE chairing of the 13th WTO Ministerial Committee, and the country’s bilateral trading interests, including exploratory talks towards a bilateral Closer Economic Partnership Agreement.
“The UAE is New Zealand’s largest export market in the Middle East, and a key interlocutor on regional issues,” says McClay.
“I look forward to meeting with my counterparts to discuss and advance our relationship on a number of issues, including trade, food security and climate change,” he concludes.
The Government is funding a feasibility study to investigate what would be required for a successful farmer-led purchase of the McCain Foods' vegetable processing site in Hastings.
According to new research, industry leaders have ranked world-class biodiversity as the number one priority for the 16th year in a row.
OPINION: This is my last article as Chief Executive, so I thought I’d take the opportunity to talk about three recurring issues which I have seen over the years, and which are almost certain to be issues in the future.
The stark realities of the world trade that New Zealand is having to face have been revealed by Trade Minister Todd McClay.
New Zealand and the European Union are closer than ever.
Massey University says its stand at the Fieldays will showcase regenerative science and “circular bioeconomy innovation supporting more sustainable and resilient farming systems”.
Fonterra is strengthening its foodservice presence in China with the launch of a new cream for professional bakeries at Bakery China 2026 in Shanghai.
OPINION: The coalition Government’s plan to make about 9000 public servants redundant looms as a major election issue
From last week, the Industrial Hemp Regulations 2006 have been revoked.
The Rural Support Trust is hosting a series of community wellbeing events featuring former NZSAS soldier and Victoria Cross recipient Willie Apiata.
Government plans to reduce the regulations relating to drones that farmers use on their own properties has drawn a mixed reaction from commercial drone operators.
OPINION: While we're on the topic of lumberjacks, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has no doubt used a chainsaw hundreds of…
OPINION: To a chorus of crying greenies, and not a minute too soon, the Government has moved to put the…
