Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Video | Agriculture | Confidence | Economy | Energy | Employment | Finance | Media | Property | RBNZ | Science | SOEs | Tax | Technology | Telecoms | Tourism | Transport | Search

 

NZ-US Free Trade Agreement – Still Achievable

Nz-Us Free Trade Agreement – Still Achievable

Michael Barnett, Chief Executive of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and member of the NZ-US Council, was commenting on US reports of that country’s intention to not link New Zealand into the Australian-US Free Trade Agreement negotiations which were launched today.

US Trade Representative Robert Zoellick also said he didn’t think a parallel but separate negotiation with New Zealand was a prospect at this time.

The US reports cited two impediments to moving forward with New Zealand:

NZ’s exports to the US such as dairy and lamb were “very sensitive”; and, Things have been done recently by NZ which make an FTA harder to carry.

Commenting, Mr Barnett said that the agricultural impediment between the United States and Australia was a tougher issue than between the United States and New Zealand. He pointed out that as well as dairy and lamb, Australia has substantial beef and grain exports to the United States.

On the second point, Mr Barnett said the remarks were clearly code for US concern over the recent relationship between New Zealand and the United States.

“We should not run away from this fact,” he said. “However at the same time we should recognise when NZ entered into the bid for a FTA negotiation with the United States, we knew it would be tough and take time.”

Mr Barnett said recent events should not be allowed to diminish our determination to ultimately win a FTA negotiation with the US. “In fact the resolve of the Chamber has been strengthened to work on building stronger links in Washington and in NZ’s business community for a FTA.”

He confirmed intentions to appoint an experienced chief executive officer to develop a NZ-US FTA campaign.

He remained convinced that the depth in the NZ-US business relationship, and in particular at Chambers of Commerce level, would help change US political expectations towards New Zealand.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Business Headlines | Sci-Tech Headlines

 
GenPro: General Practices Begin Issuing Clause 14 Notices

GenPro has been copied into a rising number of Clause 14 notices issued since the NZNO lodged its Primary Practice Pay Equity Claim against General Practice employers in December 2023.More

SPADA: Screen Industry Unites For Streaming Platform Regulation & Intellectual Property Protections

In an unprecedented international collaboration, representatives of screen producing organisations from around the world have released a joint statement.More

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.