Market accessAPECExport controlsNZ and the WTOOECDTrade AgreementsAnti CounterfeitingAseanAustraliaChinaGulf Cooperation CouncilHong KongIndiaKoreaMalaysiaSingaporeThailandTrans PacificTrade RelationshipsTrade and economic analysisTrade lawTrade scholarships
[these are all links to Beehive.govt.nz]
Negotiators met in Wellington over 9-14 October for the ninth round of New Zealand-China FTA negotiations. The round was the longest to date with meetings running over six days. This included meetings between experts on rules of origin, customs, trade remedies, SPS, TBT, services and temporary entry, investment and legal issues.
The ninth round included detailed exchanges on market access for goods and services. In these areas, along with investment, negotiators continued to exchange views on what each side understands and expects by a ‘high quality’ and ‘balanced’ deal as instructed by Leaders in April.
Following round eight, both sides provided further clarification in respect of market access requests for services and investment. Focus is now shifting to how each side could respond to respective requests, with more detailed discussion expected at round ten.
Continued progress was made on chapter text across the range of supporting ‘rules’ issues including TBT, SPS, rules of origin, trade remedies and intellectual property.
Discussions continued between Lead Negotiators on competition policy and government procurement, although these remain sensitive areas for China. Experts from relevant agencies are expected to meet on labour and environment issues in December.
Overall, significant work is still required – including on the detail of goods, services and investment – in order to deliver to Leaders’ instructions of agreement that is “comprehensive, of high quality, balanced and mutually acceptable to both sides”.
Next Steps
The tenth round of negotiations is expected to be held in China at the end of January. Before then inter-sessional meetings are expected to take place between expects to progress technical discussions in some ‘rules’ areas. There are also likely to be opportunities for further engagement at the political level before the end of the year, including at the APEC and East Asia Summit meetings.
Contact
If you would like further information on any aspect of the New Zealand-China FTA, or would like to submit further information or views on the process, email asia@mfat.govt.nz.
