UK to start national consultation on first free trade agreements, including with New Zealand

The British government has authorized preparations to begin free trade negotiations with New Zealand, Australia and the United States, which Trade Minister David Parker sees as an important step. national consultations on free trade agreements proposed with the three countries, which would be its first FTAs.

He also indicated that he wished to prepare to join the Global and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership with 11 countries, including New Zealand, is yet to enter into force.

If Britain's preparations turn into full negotiations still depend on the final terms of Britain's divorce from the European Union in March next year.

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Member of the EU Customs Union, it should actually apply the same customs duties as the EU on goods, which would limit its freedom to negotiate an FTA autonomous. [1965] 9002] Nevertheless, Parker hailed the British initiative of consultation despite many unknowns.

"It is significant that in the context of their post-EU relationship, they said they wanted to start negotiations with New Zealand, Australia and the United States.", He said. [19659007] "There are many other countries that they could have chosen, but they chose us and that is good."

But the negotiations could only begin seriously After Britain left the EU in March

This week, New Zealand started negotiations in Brussels with the European Union for an FTA, but with 27 members, besides Great Britain, the process is expected to last several years

preparing to travel to Mexico this weekend for a fifth round of free trade negotiations with the four members of the Pacific Alliance , Chile, Colombia, Peru and Mexico, which have 220 million inhabitants.

year and the Alliance is also

But since all members of the Alliance except Colombia are part of the CPPP, New Zealand will certainly be waiting for something more than what has already been negotiated in this framework. agreement. Chile, and the recent elections in Colombia and Mexico, the Puerto Vallarta meeting would be an opportunity to engage with new political leaders of the region.

"We see great potential for promoting integration in our region, demonstrating our commitment After the meeting, Parker will travel to Mexico City to meet with representatives of Mexican and New Zealand companies.

Mexico and Japan are the first two countries of six required to ratify the PCPR before it comes into force, which is expected later this year or early next year.

Bilateral trade with Great Britain Brittany is worth $ 2.9 billion – New Zealand exports $ 1.6 billion and imports $ 1.3 billion country is $ 1.8 billion – $ 722 million worth of exports and 455 millions of dollars in imports