EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom launched free trade negotiation with New Zealand in Wellington today. Trade negotiation teams from both sides would start the first round of talks in Brussels over July 16-20. Malmstrom said in a press conference after meeting New Zealand trade minister David Parker that “today is an important milestone in EU- New Zealand relations. Together, we can conclude a win-win agreement that offers benefits to business and citizens alike.”
She also emphasized that “This agreement is an excellent opportunity to set ambitious common rules and shape globalization, making trade easier while safeguarding sustainable development. We can lead by example.”
Malmstrom also hailed New Zealand as “a friend, an ally”. And she urged that “together we stand up for common values … of sustainable trade, open trade, transparent trade, and trade that is done in compliance with international rules in the multilateral system.”
The New Zealand government recently launched its “Trade for All Agenda“, calling for a “progressive and inclusive” approach to negotiating trade deals. Parker said “we can not only do good for ourselves in this trade agreement but we can actually set out rules for how trading agreements should look for the betterment of the world.”
Parker also hailed that Malmstrom has asked negotiators to work through the complicated areas early, so as not to cause delays in the end. He said “I think that demonstrates a willingness on the part of the European side of the negotiation, which we share, to bring this to a conclusion as soon as we can.”
Joint press conference of Parker and Malmstrom.
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