Digital Trade Review

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MFAT, with MartinJenkins, is currently conducting a review of Aotearoa New Zealand’s engagement in digital trade.

The review covers New Zealand’s international engagement in digital trade and our international policy settings affecting digital trade and supporting the digital economy, including as reflected in digital provisions negotiated in international trade agreements, and how these support effective engagement by Māori, business and consumers to engage in digital trade.

It is being undertaken following a recommendation of the Trade for All Advisory Board which requested that a “thorough review of New Zealand’s interests in the digital trade negotiations should be carried out”.

Why a review?

Digital trade covers rules affecting trade and commerce enabled by technology and includes both trade in goods and services. An effective digital trade policy can streamline the movement and transaction of goods and services across borders, by reducing administration and enabling paperless customs clearances, for example.

Through recent trade agreements, and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA), New Zealand has agreed a variety of provisions regarding e-commerce or digital trade that touch on some of the factors relevant to the digital economy, while preserving policy space for domestic regulation.

Digital trade is also an area that includes strong Māori interests and touches upon a broad range of new and emerging issues. These include security and improved protection for consumers: ensuring that their rights and interests in data and privacy are protected.

This review will cover our existing trade policy settings and look for gaps and opportunities for improvement, to protect what’s important, while continuing to open doors for our exporters into new markets.

Who will we talk to?

We are keen to hear your voice. There will be an opportunity for engagement through public workshops or through input via email.

It will be an open, inclusive consultation process, involving the representatives of Māori, businesses, academics, civil society and from across central government.

How do I get involved?

A series of both targeted and open discussions will be held throughout April and May 2023. Detail on the open discussions and how to attend will be updated below. Please keep checking in.

In-person Public Hui

In-person Māori and Digital Trade Hui

Further discussions: bookable sessions

If you’ve missed a session, or would like to talk more, please feel free to book a time to have a digital trade discussion directly. For an opportunity to speak with one of the review team directly, please register here(external link).

Public consultations already held

Online public hui

  • Tuesday 2 May at 8.30-10am
  • Wednesday 10 May at 3.30-5pm
  • Monday 15 May at 5-6.30pm

Online Māori and Digital Trade hui

  • Thursday 11 May at 4–5.30pm

Your say

MartinJenkins also welcomes comments, questions and input to this review through: koreromai@martinjenkins.co.nz

Comments for MFAT can be emailed to: digitaltradereview@mfat.govt.nz

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