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New Zealand commenced a 'Closer Economic Partnership' (CEP) negotiation with Hong Kong in 2001. Talks were suspended in late 2002 after five rounds of negotiation. The two countries maintained a constructive relationship over the intervening years, supported by close business, educational and other ties. Following informal discussions, both Parties have agreed to resume negotiations towards a CEP and are hopeful that it will be possible to find a way through the difficulties which led to the suspension.
The first round of resumed negotiations between New Zealand and Hong Kong was held in Wellington from 5-8 May 2009 and a second round of negotiations was held in Hong Kong from 6-10 July. The third round of negotiations was held in Wellington from 24-28 August.
New Zealand is seeking commercially-meaningful commitments from Hong Kong in relation to goods, services, investment and government procurement, along with trade facilitating outcomes on customs, technical barriers to trade (TBT), and sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS), as well as side agreements on environment and labour.
As an economy with applied tariffs at zero, Hong Kong does not offer New Zealand the usual gains sought in bilateral trade agreements of reduced tariffs. However, New Zealand does have an interest in getting a commitment from Hong Kong to bind their tariffs at zero. In addition, commitments are being sought in the areas of services, investment, and government procurement, as well as commitments in relation to TBT, SPS and customs cooperation so as to facilitate trade flows between us.
MFAT continues to be interested in feedback from interested businesses or stakeholders.
Please direct any comments or questions to: Katja Ackerley, HK FTA Coordinator, MFAT katja.ackerley@mfat.govt.nz or +64 4 439 8228
For background information and relevant documents, please see the document archive on the right hand side of this page.
