Time to focus on NZs priorities in international trade

Today’s failure of the Doha Round to reach an agreed deal means a renewed focus on bilateral and multilateral agreements is now needed, Business NZ Chief Executive Phil O’Reilly said today.

Every day members of the Export NZ division of Business NZ face tariffs and other barriers which hamper their ability to sell goods and services to the world, Mr O’Reilly said.

“The Doha negotiations held open the chance to significantly improve the international competitiveness of New Zealand’s manufacturers, foresters, farmers and service providers, and through that, New Zealand’s overall prosperity. To have lost this opportunity is a great disappointment.

“Export NZ would like to congratulate the outstanding New Zealand negotiators who made so much progress on issues of such importance to our members.

“In the absence of rapid progress on a true international agreement we would now urge a renewed drive by our trade representatives for bilateral and multilateral agreements with willing trade partners, to deliver more specific improved trade outcomes for New Zealand.”