Damien O’Connor: NZ united on global trade
When it comes to international trade, politicians from all sides of the aisle are united, says Labour's trade spokesman Damien O'Connor.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is off to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for high-level talks with Emirati leaders.
He will also witness the signing of the New Zealand-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Negotiations concluded on the free trade agreement in September last year and the deal has been largely welcomed by the agriculture sector.
Currently, two-way trade between New Zealand and the UAE is valued at NZ$1.3 billion. From day one of the agreement, duties will be eliminated on 98.5% of New Zealand’s exports to the UAE.
Luxon says the UAE is a trusted partner for New Zealand.
“I look forward to celebrating the growth in our bilateral relationship, including the signature of our first-class trade deal,” he says.
Luxon says the agreement provides a springboard for New Zealand companies to engage with the UAE’s market, offering opportunities to increase trade and investment flows.
“This is all part of the work we are doing to achieve our goal of doubling the value of our exports in ten years,” he says.
OPINION: As negotiations advance on the India-New Zealand FTA, it’s important to remember the joint commitment made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the beginning of this process in March: for a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial agreement.
Minister for Universities, Shane Reti, has opened the final new build in a ten plus year project to upgrade the veterinary facilities at Massey University.
As New Zealand experiences more frequent and severe flooding events, the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is urging consumers to be honest and accurate when making insurance claims for flood damage.
A recently held arable field day in the Manawatu brought with it a timely reminder to be on the lookout for velvetleaf incursions.
In a significant shift for employers, wage theft is no longer only a civil matter but now also a criminal one.
In partnership with Growing Future Farmers (GFF), Fonterra says it is increasing support for young people entering the dairy industry with a new two-year programme.

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