increase font size
Trade Minister Todd McClay has reiterated the Government has sought and received assurances from the Chinese Government that any competition issues would not impact on trade between the two countries.
McClay is responding to reports that retaliatory action could be imposed if an investigation is launched into allegations of steel dumping.
"On my return from Indonesia I asked my office for a full review of the broader issues around this matter," he says.
"I want to make it clear that there have been discussions and limited correspondence over the past few months as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has endeavoured to assess the veracity of these reports.
"I remain limited in what I can say as there are legislative constraints around the reporting of competition complaints that are not yet under investigation. These remain confidential until such time as any investigation is launched and publicly notified.
"Having said that, at the time I should have requested a more thorough briefing before I responded to questions on this issue.
"I have apologised to the Prime Minister for not being able to provide more details at the time.
"I would like to reiterate that through our engagement on this issue we have sought and received assurance from the Chinese Government that any concerns around retaliatory action are unfounded.
"I stand by my view the assurances should give our exporters confidence that our trading relationship with China remains in good heart."
OPINION: When he promised an Indian FTA in his first term, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was really putting it all on red for the win. Against the odds (and with help from Todd McClay and others), he has thumbed his nose at the many doubters by closing just such a deal before Christmas – a move that will change the narrative around the PM and could help him win the election.
Additional tariffs introduced by the Chinese Government last month on beef imports should favour New Zealand farmers and exporters.
Primary sector leaders have welcomed the announcement of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand.
The Coalition Government will need the support of at least one opposition party to ratify the free trade deal with India.
Former Agriculture Minister and Otaki farmer Nathan Guy has been appointed New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy (SATE).
Additional tariffs introduced by the Chinese Government last month on beef imports should favour New Zealand farmers and exporters.
Primary sector leaders have praised the government and its officials for putting the Indian free trade deal together in just nine months.
Primary sector leaders have welcomed the announcement of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand.
Dairy farmers are still in a good place despite volatile global milk prices.
Legal controls on the movement of fruits and vegetables are now in place in Auckland’s Mt Roskill suburb, says Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner North Mike Inglis.
Arable growers worried that some weeds in their crops may have developed herbicide resistance can now get the suspected plants tested for free.
OPINION: When he promised an Indian FTA in his first term, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was really putting it all…
OPINION: MPI's response to the yellow-legged hornet has received a mixed report card from New Zealand Beekeeping Inc (NZBI), with…
