22 August 2017
National unveils boldest-ever trade push
National has announced its plan to expand New Zealand’s international trade access, unlocking new markets and
opportunities for our exporters.
“National’s policy is to deliver New Zealand’s boldest-ever trade push,” Trade spokesperson Todd McClay says.
“We will work to unlock markets with 2.5 billion new consumers for the benefit of large and small exporters and their
workers in every region of New Zealand.
“This new trade access will create shiploads of jobs for Kiwis and be worth billions of dollars to our economy and
businesses across the country.
“We have a once in a generation chance to tear down trade barriers and only National is willing to take this
opportunity.
“The plan includes pushing strongly to complete TPP 11. We are prepared to move now to improve access for our food
producers in key markets like Japan,” Mr McClay says.
“Our opponents want to stop and re-negotiate the whole package. That would set the cause of New Zealand trade access
back many years.”
Mr McClay says a re-elected National Government will seek to launch high-quality and comprehensive free trade agreement
negotiations with:
• the European Union
• the United Kingdom (following Brexit)
• Sri Lanka
• Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay & Uruguay (MERCOSUR)
It will also seek to complete negotiations with:
• The Trans Pacific Partnership 11
• Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Peru (The Pacific Alliance)
• Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) countries
And finally it will upgrade existing free trade agreements with :
• China
• Singapore
• The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
National will also push for greater access for Kiwi businesses to India, Russia and the Gulf Cooperation Council
countries of the Middle East.
“Collectively, the new trade deals will advance New Zealand’s free trade goods exports coverage from 53 per cent to 78
per cent,” Mr McClay says
“Trade is worth more than $70 billion to our economy and more than 620,000 jobs are dependent on it.
“Improving trade access is a crucial part of National’s strong economic plan which is delivering returns for all New
Zealanders.
“If we are going to continue to grow our economy, and create more jobs, we have to fight for better access to overseas
markets.
“National is the only party for voters serious about trade.”
ends