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New Zealand looking to open agriculture markets in Europe

Xinhua, April 6, 2016 Adjust font size:

Breaking down trade barriers and a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union will be on the agenda for New Zealand Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy in Europe this week.

Guy said Wednesday he will attend the committee of agriculture ministerial meeting of the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) group of developed nations in Paris on April 7 and 8.

Ministers from OECD countries and partner economies would discuss policies to achieve more productive, sustainable and resilient global food systems.

"New Zealand has a special interest in highlighting the role that open and efficient markets play in helping agriculture to sustainably meet global food demands. Substantial reductions in subsidies, opening up of markets, and more efficient use of resources are all important," Guy said in a statement.

"The outcome of the meeting will provide the broad direction for the OECD's agricultural research program and policy advice for the next five to 10 years."

Guy would also focus on progressing a free-trade agreement with the European Union at a meeting with counterparts from a number of EU member states, and would then travel to Germany for meetings with agriculture sector representatives.

"The EU is a key bilateral partner, and building a comprehensive partnership that includes a free trade agreement is a longstanding objective for New Zealand," said Guy.

"This visit is an opportunity to continue to build understanding of New Zealand's role in international agricultural trade and investment, and the mutual benefits of a potential FTA for sectors and agri-businesses in both the EU and New Zealand."

The EU is New Zealand's third-largest trading partner, with two-way trade valued at 19.6 billion NZ dollars (13.35 billion U.S. dollars) in goods and services in the year to June 2015. Endit