Trade expert Stephen Jacobi says he thinks New Zealand cheesemakers are rightly concerned about a European Union plan to protect the names of common cheeses.

Trade expert Stephen Jacobi says he thinks New Zealand cheesemakers are rightly concerned about a European Union plan to protect the names of common cheeses.

The EU’s proposed restrictions on the use of geographical names in products could have implications for NZ exports to other regions – including China, a trade expert says.

The ability of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to hear any New Zealand disputes arising out of Brexit could be under threat.

A trade expert has backed up comments by agricultural trade envoy Mike Petersen, who says New Zealand is facing its most challenging time in trade in 30 years.

The new revamped TPP agreement preserves the essential elements of the original agreement – particularly improved access to Japan, Canada and other markets – says New Zealand International Business Forum (NZIBF) executive director Stephen Jacobi.

The possibility is still “very alive” that New Zealand will get on board the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement, says trade expert and consultant Stephen Jacobi.

If we don’t get Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) through, we will be seriously ‘squeezed’ in the Japanese market, says trade expert Stephen Jacobi.

The government and the Labour Party should reach a bipartisan consensus on how to roll out the current Trans Pacific Partnership process, says trade expert Stephen Jacobi.

The Government needs to ensure we get more agricultural trade with the European Union in any potential free trade agreement – but don’t expect completely free trade, says expert Stephen Jacobi.