New Zealand–China Free Trade Agreement

The New Zealand–China Free Trade Agreement is a bilateral free trade agreement signed between the People's Republic of China and New Zealand in April 2008. It is the first free trade agreement that China has signed with any developed country, and New Zealand's largest trade deal since the 1983 Closer Economic Relations agreement with Australia.[1] The New Zealand-China FTA was signed on 7 April 2008 in Beijing, after negotiations that spanned fifteen rounds over three years. It entered into force on 1 October 2008, after ratification by the New Zealand Parliament. The provisions of the agreement are expected to be phased in gradually over 12 years, fully coming into force in 2019.

Agreements

Under the agreement, 37 per cent of Chinese exports to New Zealand and 35 per cent of New Zealand exports to China will be tariff free by October 2008. All tariffs for Chinese exports to New Zealand will be eliminated by 2016, and 96 per cent of New Zealand exports to China will be tariff free by 2019.[2] Mutual investment and trade in services will also be facilitated.[3]

The deal also allows 1,800 specialised workers to go from China to New Zealand for a period of up to three years. This, however, will be limited to approved occupations and to a maximum of 100 such workers in any sector, except for traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, Chinese chefs, and Mandarin teaching aides, which have maximums of 150 or 200.[2][4] New Zealand will also establish a working holiday scheme enabling up to 1,000 young Chinese nationals annually to travel and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months. Both countries have agreed to enhance business visa conditions and processing.[5]

History

2008 agreement

The New Zealand-China free trade agreement took over three years to negotiate. On 19 November 2004, Helen Clark and President of the People's Republic of China, Hu Jintao announced the commencement of negotiations towards an FTA at the APEC Leaders meeting in Santiago, Chile. The first round of negotiations was held in December 2004. Fifteen rounds took place before the FTA was signed in April 2008 by New Zealand's Minister of Trade Phil Goff and the Chinese Minister of Commerce Chen Deming at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.[2]

The deal was welcomed by a number of New Zealand exporters including the dairy cooperative Fonterra and the New Zealand Seafood Industry Council, while others such as the appliance manufacturer Fisher & Paykel stated that the deal would lead to tougher competition with cheaper-priced Chinese products.[6][7][8] The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions opposed the inclusion of workforce in the trade agreement stating that there is potential for skilled Chinese workers to be exploited and underpaid.[9]

While the FTA enjoys the support of New Zealand's two largest political parties, Labour and National, the Green Party and the Māori Party opposed the agreement even before it was signed.[10][11] Members of the Green Party protested against the signing of the deal, Keith Locke saying that easier access to cheap Chinese workforce could undermine New Zealand workers.[12] Following the signing, New Zealand First announced that it opposed the deal.[13] Public opinion has been divided; a poll published a week before the signing showed 45% supported the deal, while 32% opposed it.[14]

2014 Upgrade

In 2014, China and New Zealand announced that they would seek an upgrade of the free trade agreement. It is expected that the upgrade will be completed some time in 2016.[15]

2019 Upgrade

In early November 2019, New Zealand and China agreed to upgrade their free trade agreement. New provisions have included making exports to China easier, improving China's commitment to environmental standards, and giving New Zealand preferential access to the wood and paper trade with China. In return, New Zealand will ease visa restrictions for Chinese tour guides and Chinese language teachers.[16][17]

On 26 January 2021, New Zealand and China signed a deal to upgrade their free trade agreement to give New Zealand exports greater access to the Chinese market. These provisions include eliminating or reducing tariffs on New Zealand exports such as dairy, timber, and seafood as well as compliance costs.[18]

See also

Further reading

References
  1. "Landmark Trade Deal Struck By China, New Zealand". Forbes.com. 2008-04-07. Retrieved 2008-04-07.
  2. Eaton, Dan (2008-04-12). "Landmark Chinese trade pact signed - New Zealand, world, sport, business & entertainment news on Stuff.co.nz". Archived from the original on 2008-04-12. Retrieved 2020-01-24.
  3. Key outcomes Archived 2008-04-11 at the Wayback Machine, New Zealand - China Free Trade Agreement, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
  4. "Sealing the deal with China". TVNZ. 7 April 2008.
  5. Temporary entry and employment, New Zealand - China Free Trade Agreement, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
  6. "Fonterra Welcomes Free Trade Agreement with China" (Press release). Fonterra. 7 April 2008. Retrieved 2008-04-07.
  7. "FTA with China opens opportunities for seafood" (Press release). New Zealand: Seafood Industry Council. 7 April 2008. Retrieved 2008-04-07.
  8. "Free trade deal does little to cheer up NZ exporters". TV3 (New Zealand). 9 April 2008. Retrieved 2008-04-09.
  9. "Historic trade deal signed with China" (Windows Media Player video). 7 April 2008. Retrieved 2008-04-07. We need to have some industry standards developed to ensure that these workers are protected and not exploited in their skills and not being paid the minimum wage – New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Vice-President Sharon Clair
  10. Hone Harawira, Maori Party opposes FTA with China Archived 2008-10-18 at the Wayback Machine. Press release, Maori Party, 1 April 2008.
  11. Russel Norman, "Trading away our integrity – for what?" (Press release). Green Party. April 8, 2008. Retrieved 2020-02-03.
  12. "Openings for Chinese workers". TVNZ. 7 April 2008. Retrieved 2008-04-07.
  13. "Foreign Minister and party oppose FTA". NZPA. 8 April 2008. Retrieved 2008-04-09.
  14. "Public divided over FTA, poll shows". NZPA. 31 March 2008. Retrieved 2008-04-09.
  15. "Upgrading China FTA included in New Zealand government export strategy - Xinhua | English.news.cn". news.xinhuanet.com. Archived from the original on 28 November 2015. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
  16. Patterson, Jane (4 November 2019). "NZ strikes deal on China FTA upgrade after years of talks". Radio New Zealand. Retrieved 5 November 2019.
  17. Young, Audrey (4 November 2019). "Jacinda Ardern announces upgrade on free trade agreement with China". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 5 November 2019.
  18. Menon, Praveen; Crossley, Gabriel (26 January 2021). "China, New Zealand ink trade deal as Beijing calls for reduced global barriers". Reuters. Archived from the original on 29 January 2021. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
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