Trade 

Ministers to attend CER annual meeting in Australia

14.08.2008

New Zealand and Australian trade, industry and agriculture ministers are to meet for the annual Closer Economic Relations Ministerial Forum in Melbourne tomorrow, which also marks the 25th anniversary year of the Australian-New Zealand relationship.

The Ministers attending the meeting are Trade Minister Phil Goff, Agriculture Minister Jim Anderton and Commerce Minister Lianne Dalziel. They will meet with Australia Trade Minister Simon Crean, Agriculture Minister Tony Burke, Industry Minister Kim Carr and Minister for Superannuation and Corpo...  more +

WTO talks end without result

30.07.2008

World Trade Organisation talks in Geneva aimed at concluding the Doha Development Round this year ended today without final agreement being reached.

Speaking from Geneva, Trade Minister Phil Goff said it was intensely disappointing that countries were unable to bridge some differences, when they were so close to finalising the agreement.

"Substantial progress was made across a range of issues taking us closer to agreement than the Roun...  more +

China Free Trade Agreement Bill passes third and final reading

24.07.2008

Trade Minister Phil Goff says the passing in Parliament today of the New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement Bill will bring the FTA into force on 1 October and represents an historic advance in New Zealand's trading relationships.

The Bill was passed by 104 votes to 17.

Speaking from Geneva, where he is taking part in World Trade Organisation (WTO) Doha Development Round trade negotiations, Mr Goff said the FTA will come into force when Royal assent has been granted by the Governor-General and the relevant regulatio...  more +

Developments on free trade negotiations

15.07.2008

Speech to Export New Zealand Grand Hall, Parliament

Can I welcome you to Parliament and thank Export New Zealand for organising this lunch.  I have been asked today to provide you with an update on the status of free trade negotiations.

Removing barriers to trade has never been more important than in the current world economic climate ...  more +