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The Free Trade Agreement between New Zealand and China (NZ-China FTA) entered into force on 1 October 2008. The NZ-China FTA was signed on the 7th of April 2008 in Beijing, bringing to the end a negotiation process that spanned fifteen rounds over three years.
You can find detailed information on the NZ-China FTA, together with the full text of the agreement and useful tools and resources for business at www.chinafta.govt.nz
The China FTA Taskforce is a multi-agency grouping of officials tasked with conducting the negotiation. Agencies involved include the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Ministry of Economic Development, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, The Treasury, New Zealand Customs Service, the Ministry of Education, Department of Labour and the Ministry for the Environment. The team is coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The taskforce welcomes dialogue with interested parties. To make contact in the first instance please email: asia@mfat.govt.nz
New Zealand is the first developed country to negotiate a free trade agreement with China.
Securing preferential access to China's economy has the potential to deliver significant gains to our exporters. It is the fastest growing major economy, currently growing at 9.5 percent per annum. China is our fourth largest trading partner, taking over $1.6 billion of New Zealand's merchandise exports and over $1 billion of services. China's middle class is now estimated to be more than 100 million people and growing - which will fuel the demand for New Zealand's agricultural products. There should also be gains to New Zealand's manufacturers and services operators.
Other countries are also lining up to negotiate preferential trade agreements with China. New Zealand's negotiations with China will keep our exporters in the 'game' and help defend existing market shares - particularly in areas where China is already New Zealand's largest international customer - such as milk powder, wool and education.
