[Epoch Times August 24, 2021](Epoch Times reporter Liu Qiqing New Zealand compiles and reports) The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between New Zealand and the United Kingdom has always attracted the attention of the trade and other departments of the two countries. According to previous officials of the two countries, the negotiating parties plan to sign an agreement in principle at the end of this month. On August 23, the British government also announced more details of the negotiations.
According to RNZ reports, tariffs on honey, apples and wine exported from New Zealand to the UK will be cut. Previously, tariffs on wine exported from New Zealand to the UK were expected to be as high as 20 pence per bottle.
In return, New Zealand will have fewer tariffs on imports of British gin, chocolate, clothing and cars.
British Trade Minister Liz Truss said that in order to reach an agreement within a few weeks, the negotiating team is working around the clock.
She said that the two countries’ favor for high-quality products is an important driving force for reaching an agreement. At the same time, the two countries share the same modern values, and these ideas will be reflected in the agreement, allowing New Zealand and Britain to achieve a win-win situation.
Truss also pointed out that the agreement is also an important step for the UK to join the Comprehensive Progress Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Damien O’Connor, New Zealand’s Minister of Trade and Export Growth, welcomed the UK’s public statement and said that the UK has always been New Zealand’s trusted trading partner and he has reached a high-quality free trade agreement between the two countries. Be optimistic.
O’Connor said that in order to reach a free trade agreement in principle by the end of August, New Zealand negotiators are also working hard.
Truss said: “The trade volume between the two countries last year was 2.3 billion pounds, and it is expected to increase after the agreement is reached.”
Editor in charge: Lan Ke
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