Related resources

Document archive

• Summary of the Joint China-New Zealand FTA Feasibility Study - November 2004
• A Joint Study Report on a Free Trade Agreement between China and New Zealand - November 2004    html version        PDF version (709 KB)     
• New Zealand-China: Import-Export Figures 2003-2005

Background Papers

• New Zealand-China FTA Joint Feasibility Study: Public Consultation Document - June 2004

• Trade and Economic Cooperation Framework between New Zealand and the People's Republic of China - 28 May 2004

Publication

• A Basic Guide to Free Trade Agreements (PDF 603KB)

External Links

Media Releases

[these are all links to Beehive.govt.nz]

• Inside New China - Updating challenges for New Zealand Rt Hon Helen Clark 10 March 2005

• New Zealand and China launch FTA negotiations Rt Hon Helen Clark 19 November 2004

• Sutton delighted at progress towards China negotiations Hon Jim Sutton 20 November 2004

• Consultation on Chinese trade starts  "The Government is seeking submissions from the public..." Hon Jim Sutton 21 June 2004

• New Zealand and China to work towards FTA  New Zealand and China have agreed on a formal Trade and Economic Cooperation Framework Rt Hon Helen Clark 14 April 2004

New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement

Eleventh Round Information Bulletin

Round Eleven of FTA negotiations between New Zealand and China was held in Christchurch over 23-29 April.

In the longest round to date (seven days), negotiators continued to cover the range of issues of interest to New Zealand, including goods market access and related rules issues (eg rules of origin, trade remedies, customs procedures), services, investment and intellectual property.  Discussion also continued between Lead Negotiators on government procurement and competition policy, although these remain sensitive issues for China. 

Good progress was made across the board with discussions now well advanced in a number of technical areas of the negotiation.  Exchanges also continued in respect of market access details across goods, services and investment, with parameters agreed for the timing of further request/offer processes.

The next round of negotiations is expected to be held in early June in China.

Visit by Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan

In advance of Round Eleven, New Zealand hosted a visit by Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan (25-28 March).  During the visit there was positive discussion of the FTA negotiations, serving to reinforce the commitment from both sides to work towards the conclusion of a comprehensive, high quality and balanced agreement as soon as possible by April 2008.  In this context, negotiators are expecting to intensify their work over the next few months to deliver an outcome consistent with this goal.

Consultations

The FTA Taskforce continues to consult with interested stakeholders.  Any further information that businesses would like to submit on trade with China (eg market access barriers or identification of particular interests) should be provided by 25 May 2007.

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, please email asia@mfat.govt.nz.