18 February 2002 Media Statement
NZ signs double tax agreement with South Africa
New Zealand has signed a double tax agreement with South Africa, Revenue Minister Michael Cullen and Foreign Minister
Phil Goff announced today.
Double tax agreements reduce tax impediments to cross-border trade and investment and assist enforcement of the law
between the two countries involved.
"The initiative will help to forge stronger economic links between the two countries. South Africa is a significant
emerging market for New Zealand: in 1999 New Zealand sent $72 million worth of exports to South Africa, but by last year
that figure had increased to $114 million."
"The next step is for each country to give legal effect to the agreement, which in New Zealand will occur through Order
in Council. We expect it to come into force from the start of the 2002-2003 income year," the Ministers said.
The text of the agreement is available on the website of the Policy Advice Division of Inland Revenue at
www.taxpolicy.ird.govt.nz.
ENDS