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

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

NZ to host RCEP negotiating round in Auckland


Hon Todd McClay

Minister of Trade

29 April 2016

NZ to host RCEP negotiating round in Auckland


Trade Minister Todd McClay confirmed today New Zealand will host the 13th round of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade negotiation in Auckland from 12-18 June 2016.

“RCEP aims to broaden and deepen existing Free Trade Agreements between ASEAN and six other countries, including New Zealand,” says Mr McClay.

“It is important for New Zealand to play its part in these negotiations which offer us significant opportunities to increase our trade and economic links with the dynamic Asia region.”

Once completed, RCEP will be the largest trading bloc in the world in terms of population. The countries participating have a total population of over 3 billion people. They also account for around 27 per cent of global trade and have a combined GDP of $US23 trillion. Critically for New Zealand, the 15 other countries cover 55 per cent of our goods export markets (in 2015) and six of our top ten trading partners.

“It would not be in New Zealand’s interests to stand aside from a negotiation that covers at least 55 per cent of our merchandise exports,” says Mr McClay.

“RCEP is part of New Zealand’s ongoing trade agenda. Helping New Zealand businesses gain easier and better access to this dynamic and fast-growing region will provide significant benefits to our economy.

“New Zealand’s participation in RCEP complements New Zealand’s existing free trade agreements in Asia, and will help New Zealand build new FTA relationships, notably with India. It will help to make the region’s ‘noodle bowl’ of rules operate better together, reducing the costs for New Zealand’s businesses to operate in the region.

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.

“Together with other agreements like TPP, RCEP underlines the government’s commitment to ensuring New Zealand actively participates in the development of the trade and economic architecture of the Asia Pacific,” says Mr McClay.

The government intends to provide further details about opportunities for stakeholders to present views and relevant information in connection with the RCEP negotiations.

ends

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

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.