Chamber Welcomes Step towards Closer Economic Cooperation with Taiwan

The Wellington Employers' Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the news that New Zealand and Taiwan have agreed to explore the feasibility of an economic cooperation agreement between the two economies.

"A Free Trade Agreement with Taiwan has been a high priority for us for many years and we are pleased that this milestone has been reached," said Chamber Chief Executive, Ken Harris who was in Taiwan last week further developing business relations.

"Taiwan is our eighth largest export market and a significant source of investment, visitors and migrants to New Zealand but there is huge potential to grow the relationship and an economic cooperation agreement would be a valuable platform to do so.

"Export education in particular offers a lot of potential for New Zealand and so we hope any agreement is strong in this area.

"The Chamber has strong links with Taiwan through its subsidiary the New Zealand Commerce and Industry Office (NZCIO) in Taipei and membership of the Taipei-based Confederation of Asian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

"This feasibility study is only the first stage. Much work needs to be done before an Agreement is negotiated. However this could be a major step towards that goal.

"We congratulate all involved for this exciting development," Mr Harris concluded.

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