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MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

As the final stages of the TPP negotiation are underway we hope our negotiators can secure a high quality deal that includes all our argi-exports, which typically face the highest tariffs.  This would be a much needed shot in the arm for the NZ economy.  We have some good articles below on the reason trade deals like this are so important for New Zealand.

Catherine Beard
027 463 3212 or cbeard@exportnz.org.nz

Trade Update

In this month's Trade Update, amongst other things, I look at the trade hot topic right now - the TPP. All eyes are on Hawaii as TPP negotiators are working around the clock there to try and get the agreement in sufficient shape for Ministers to reach final agreement.  At this stage it seems Ministers are going to assemble on 31 July (1 August NZ time).

The critical element for New Zealand will be market access for agriculture, and what is on the table from Japan and Canada (there actually may be nothing yet on the table from Canada) does not look that good.  And until market access is largely resolved, the final form of agreements on other issues of contention – investor state dispute settlement, intellectual property etc, cannot be resolved.

There is much work to be done in not that many days.  And at the end of the day some big compromises will need to be made to achieve the final deal. More...

Unraveling the Free Trade ‘Noodle Bowl’: What’s in it for exporters?

The course of trade negotiations rarely runs smooth. Lately the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) has been in the headlines, as President Obama sought – and achieved - authority to negotiate a deal that Congress could accept or reject, but not amend. This mandate is critical to ensure the other eleven parties - particularly Japan and Canada - come to the table with realistic negotiating offers on agriculture and show flexibility in dealing with remaining issues.

For five years, trade negotiators from twelve TPP economies   have been working towards an ‘ambitious and comprehensive’ free trade agreement (FTA) that would bring together around forty per cent of world trade. As with all trade negotiations, TPP discussions have taken place behind closed doors, but with a number of fundamental issues apparently up for debate at such a late stage, it’s easy to become cynical about the process.

So why do we bother with free trade agreements? More...

Speech from Hon Tim Groser on completing the TPP

Here is a speech made by the Hon Tim Groser at the US/NZ Partnership Forum, in Auckland on 30 June 2015, on the Future of Global Trade: US and NZ as Partners in the Asia Pacific: Completing the TPP negotiation. You can read the full speech here...

WTO procurement agreement opens up the world for Kiwi companies

On 14 July, Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce and Trade Minister Tim Groser announced that New Zealand has finalised its accession to the World Trade Organisation’s Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA), and it will come into effect next month.

This means New Zealand businesses will have guaranteed access to bid for an estimated US$1.7 trillion in annual overseas government contracts through joining the GPA; opening up new opportunities for Kiwi businesses to export more products and services to more destinations. More...

Mind Altering Substance – Salim Ismail

Callaghan Innovation in association with BusinessNZ presents Salim Ismail. Salim is a world-renowned author, Founding Executive Director of Singularity University, sought-after business strategist and entrepreneur who will blow your mind with his insights on how key disruptive technologies will change the future of business. Discover the answers to what every person in business wants to know - what the future holds and what are the opportunities.

The acceleration of disruptive technologies and globalization are giving rise to a new way of doing business - one that leverages openness, transparency and abundance. Learn how you can build a startup with these principles, how you can apply them to a mid-market company and how you can retrofit these ideas into a large organisation.

Auckland is nearly sold out, but there are still spaces left in Wellington and Christchurch. More...

Crack the Chinese market

The idea of exporting to a vast country like China, with the steep learning curve that accompanies any new venture into an overseas territory, can be daunting and costly.

But it needn't be. NZ Post is giving Kiwi businesses a direct line to millions of Chinese customers via its store 'Gifts from New Zealand', which operates on China's largest international eCommerce website – Tmall Global. More...

Insights into China - watch videos

MFAT has recently worked with NZTE to produce two short YouTube videos which offer some profound insights on the Chinese market.

The first infographic looks at how our trade has shifted over the years, showing we are, as a country, actually pretty adaptive to shifting market realities. What is most profound in the first video, is the China impact which becomes materially visible.

The second video (hot off the press) looks more at growth within China – mapping the various cities over time. Eye-watering growth in specific centres – but overlaid is a story about where NZ exports to China are being directed within China.

China GDP, GDP growth and NZ exports
Growing income and populations of second tier Chinese cities

Set up an HQ in Thailand

Recently the Thai Government announced a new policy on "International Headquarters" which aims to attract businesses to establish their regional HQs in Thailand.

This might be worth consideration for those businesses that are interested in exploring opportunities in the Mekong region (neighbouring countries of Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos) but prefer to take advantage of Thailand's more friendly business environment as a base.  The new policy includes tax incentives for remittances from subsidiaries in the neighbouring countries.  As always, the devil will be in the detail, which can be found here...

ASEAN Forum 2015 – sign up now to attend

Are you a New Zealand business currently trading with or looking to engage with ASEAN countries?

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and the ASEAN New Zealand Business Council are working together to bring you the ASEAN Forum 2015 – an event where participants can explore New Zealand’s relationship with ASEAN countries and the opportunities for New Zealand businesses to make the most of trading with the region.

The day concludes with a networking and social function where in relaxed surroundings you can develop new contacts to aid your business. More...

What's happening around the country

There are some great opportunities for improving your business through learnings at seminars, workshops and events. To see what's coming up, go to the ExportNZ home page and scroll down to see what's happening around the country.

ExportNZ
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