On 6 August 2018, the Government announced the launch of its Trade for All agenda and invited New Zealanders to have their say on what matters to them on trade policy and in trade agreements. The Prime Minister Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern and Minister for Trade and Export Growth Hon David Parker have launched the Trade for All consultations. The consultation seeks answers to:
How do we support sustainable economic development that takes into account the impact on the environment we work and live in? How can trade policy be more inclusive and support New Zealanders in all regions of New Zealand to succeed on the global stage, including women, Māori and people in small and medium-sized enterprises? These are the questions you can ask yourself when giving your feedback.
The announcement noted that the Government already has a broad agenda of trade deals in the pipeline.
The CPTPP is set to come into effect around the end of the year, and talks are in train with the EU, the Pacific Alliance, and in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. Upgrades to existing trade deals are underway with China and Singapore and preliminary steps towards trade talks with the UK have been taken, pending Brexit. The Bill to bring into effect Pacer Plus – a trade deal with our Pacific neighbours – is before the House.
We have also made progress on bilateral issues with the US. President Trump last week signed into law the KIWI Act, giving businesses easier visa access to the US. Trade and Investment Framework Agreement talks, which went into abeyance when the US was part of TPP, have been resumed with the US.
Public meetings will be held throughout the country from 20 August to 28 September. Interested parties can find the details or register to attend here.
New Zealander’s views and the recommendations of the Trade for All Advisory Board will help inform the development of a Trade for All policy by mid-2019. Make a submission at haveyoursay.mfat.govt.nz or get in touch with tradeforall@mfat.govt.nz.
