China trade - opportunity celebrated

Media release
7 April 2008

China trade - opportunity celebrated

Business NZ Chief Executive Phil O'Reilly says the signing this week of the free trade agreement with China brings opportunities that should be both celebrated and utilised.

"The agreement has the potential to be the CER of the 21st century," Mr O'Reilly said.

"It should be seen not just as an event, but as a long-term enhancement to an already beneficial relationship.

"Our current position is that we are one of many customers buying Chinese goods. Following the free trade agreement, the potential will exist for China to become our biggest customer.

"An enhanced trade relationship with the world's fastest growing economy is an outstanding achievement and congratulations are due to our negotiators, the Government, other political parties and businesspeople involved in bringing the agreement to fruition.

"It will be important for New Zealand businesses to start engaging in potential markets in China to take advantage of the significant opportunities that are available now and that will become available soon as tariffs reduce further in the near future."

ENDS

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