New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement

Eighth Round Information Bulletin - August 2006

Negotiators for the New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement spent a week in Beijing at the beginning of August.  Continuing progress was made, but it is evident from this meeting that there is significant work to do, and difficult negotiations ahead.

Negotiations are now moving to the 'crunch issues' including market access for goods and services.  As negotiators begin to address these issues, discussions become more difficult.  It is clear that there is significant work ahead for both sides as they seek to deliver on the objective stated by Prime Minister Helen Clark and Premier Wen for "an agreement which is comprehensive, of high-quality, balanced and acceptable to both sides".

The week of negotiations covered the full range of issues under discussion, including goods and associated rules, services, investment and intellectual property.

Discussion surrounding the possible shape of a framework to deal with tariff cuts enjoyed some forward movement based on initial results from China's domestic consultations, but further work remains to be done in this area.

Continuing progress was made across a number of negotiating areas, including on texts in identifying further areas of agreement and further clarifying outstanding areas of difference.  Further clarification was also achieved on priority requests for services and investment.

The next round of negotiations is scheduled to take place in New Zealand in early October.  The Ministry will continue to engage with key stakeholders in the lead-up to the next series of talks.

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

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