In round 6 of talks, New Zealand and the UK have provisionally closed nine chapters and one annex, demonstrating that significant progress has been made.
A free trade agreement could see the removal of tariffs on an array of UK and New Zealand exports such as food and drink, clothing and manufactured goods.
A free trade agreement with New Zealand will open an important entryway to the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The CPTPP is a £9 trillion free trade area of 11 Asia-Pacific nations, including New Zealand and Australia. Membership will open huge new opportunities for UK farmers, manufacturers, and services firms. Two-thirds of the world’s middle classes are set to be in Asia by 2030.
The Express Delivery Services Annex will give legal certainty to UK delivery service suppliers by offering reassurance that the regulatory environment provides a level playing field. Securing commitments on this will enable smoother delivery of goods between our countries.
The Anti-Corruption Chapter covers provisions relating to whistleblowing, embezzlement, money laundering, and other areas. Having strong global standards based on an international rules-based approach allows businesses to compete fairly. If businesses cannot compete fairly, the costs are ultimately shifted onto consumers and taxpayers.
The Development chapter recognised the role that trade and investment can play in contributing to positive economic and social development outcomes; whilst also creating opportunities for UK firms and consumers, such as lowering prices, and opening fast-growing markets for UK exporters.
Below is a summary list of those areas discussed in the 6th round, there were productive discussions in all areas:
- Cross Border Trade in Services (CBTS)
- State-Owned Entities and Designated Monopolies (SOEs)
- Trade and Labour
- Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS)
- Rules of Origin (RoO)
- Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)
- Consumer Protection
- Domestic Regulation
- International Maritime Transport Services (Annex)
- Investment
- Indigenous Trade
- Digital Trade
- General Exceptions
- Financial Services
- Professional Business Services (PBS)
- Trade Remedies
- Institutional Provisions
- Good Regulatory Practice and Regulatory Cooperation (GRP)
- Temporary Entry of Business Persons
- Intellectual Property (IP)
- Telecommunications
- Trade and Environment