NZ Herald Monday 27 March 2017 New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English and China Premier Li Keqiang signed off a series of cooperation deals spanning trade, customs, travel and climate change and confirmed commencement of official talks on an upgrade to the nine-year old free-trade agreement between the two countries.
The Chinese premier, who is leading a delegation of senior ministers, government officials and businesspeople, met English at Premier House in Wellington today. At the end of the meeting, English said official talks to upgrade the existing FTA between the nations will start on April 25 with a goal of building on the deal that’s seen two-way trade triple to $23 billion since it came into force in 2008.
“The agreement to commence negotiations also confirms the commitment of both countries to open trade and economic growth,” English said in a statement. “Trade openness and strong ties in the region are critical to New Zealand’s economic growth, prosperity, and job creation.” Read more…
