Editorial: Now the Hard Work Begins
OPINION: After much wrangling, the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between New Zealand and India is a step closer to fruition.
Following his appointment as a WTO Vice Chair, McClay is travelling to prepare for the 13th Ministerial Conference of the WTO, being held in Abu Dhabi in February.
While in Geneva, McClay will meet key leaders within the World Trade Organisation including the Director General, Deputy Director General, and the heads of key Regional Groups in the WTO, as well as Pacific Representatives.
“The WTO remains at the core of New Zealand’s trade and economic interests,” says McClay. “A functioning rules-based system delivers benefits for our businesses and exporters, as well as the broader economy.”
“My visit provides the opportunity to influence and drive positive outcomes at the upcoming WTO Ministerial Meeting, especially around domestic agricultural production that supports the interests of both developing and developed countries,” he says.
McClay will then travel to Dubai to meet with Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, to discuss New Zealand’s support for the UAE chairing of the 13th WTO Ministerial Committee, and the country’s bilateral trading interests, including exploratory talks towards a bilateral Closer Economic Partnership Agreement.
“The UAE is New Zealand’s largest export market in the Middle East, and a key interlocutor on regional issues,” says McClay.
“I look forward to meeting with my counterparts to discuss and advance our relationship on a number of issues, including trade, food security and climate change,” he concludes.
