Trade Minister Todd McClay has announced the establishment of the Services Export Reference Group at a press conference to launch an OECD study in Paris today highlighting the significant opportunity services exports offer the New Zealand economy.

“Services account for 70 per cent of our GDP, 80 per cent of New Zealand jobs and 31 per cent of our exports,” Mr McClay says.

“It is therefore imperative that we work closely with the services sector to bring down barriers and help them find greater success in overseas markets.”

Mr McClay has invited 40 New Zealand services exporters and industry groups to join the reference group including from the healthcare, tech, R&D, entertainment and hospitality sectors.

“In 2016 services exports increased by $1.1 billion to $21.6 billion. That’s almost a third of all New Zealand exports, so it’s vitally important we nurture and support further growth,” Mr McClay says.

“There are huge global growth opportunities for services exports and the digital economy, and the Government’s working hard to ensure that our exporters are in a strong position to take advantage of them.”

“The OECD’s Services Trade Policies and the Global Economy study points out that services generate two-thirds of global GDP and concludes that better integration between countries can substantially reduce the administrative burden on our exporters and SMEs. That is an outcome the Government continues to advocate and fight for on behalf of our exporter.”

“As part of Trade Agenda 2030, our new trade strategy, the Government is committed to engaging more with New Zealanders and New Zealand businesses on trade. The reference group is an important part of our plans to grow trade and maximise the benefits of the increasing market access we are working so hard to achieve.”

The first meeting will be held on 20 June and will be hosted by the Auckland University of Technology.

OECD study is available here: http://www.oecd.org/publications/services-trade-policies-and-the-global-economy-9789264275232-en.htm

|  A Beehive release  || June 8,  2017   |||

Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee today named diplomat Chris Langley as New Zealand’s next Ambassador to Brazil.

“Brazil is a global player on issues of importance to New Zealand, and we work closely together on a range of international issues including global trade, international security and climate change,” Mr Brownlee says.

“New Zealand has a strong and growing economic relationship with Brazil, which is the seventh largest economy in the world. We have significant investments in Brazil’s dairy sector and are deepening links through education and tourism.

“We recently restarted a trade dialogue with Mercosur – the Southern Common Market, which includes Brazil – aimed at developing trade ties with those countries.

“Brazilians and New Zealanders also share a passion for sport, as demonstrated during last year’s Rio Olympics,” Mr Brownlee says.

Mr Langley has had previous postings in Chile and Indonesia, and took a two-year sabbatical from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to work in the private sector in Sydney.

He recently served as trade private secretary to the Minister of Trade and is currently working in the Trade Negotiations Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

|  A Beehive release  ||  June 8 2017   |||

Trade Minister Todd McClay says the OECD Trade and Economic Ministers Council Meeting in Paris this week will be an important opportunity for New Zealand to show continued leadership on trade liberalisation.

Mr McClay leaves today for the two-day event where he will meet with ministers from over 40 countries.

“The theme of this year’s meeting is ‘Making Globalisation Work’ and it fits well with the priorities outlined in Trade Agenda 2030, the Government’s new trade strategy,” Mr McClay says.

“Those priorities include wanting all New Zealanders to share in the economic benefits of trade. Protectionism stops this from happening, making it more difficult for Kiwis to compete internationally.

“It’s simple - more trade means more jobs for New Zealanders and a more prosperous standard of living. That’s why the Government continues to fight hard for better access to overseas markets for our goods and services.”

While in Paris, Mr McClay will meet bilaterally with a number of other trade ministers including European Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström. Mr McClay expects to also hold talks with newly appointed US Trade Representative Ambassador Lighthizer, prior to a visit to Washington later this month.

“I will be pushing hard for the start of trade negotiations with the EU when I meet with Commissioner Malmström. We've made good progress, but it's important we launch negotiations with Europe this year to level the playing field for Kiwi exporters,” Mr McClay says.

|  A release from the Beehive  ||  June 06,  2017   |||

Australia remained New Zealand’s top trading partner in the year ended March 2017, Stats NZ said today. Trans-Tasman travel was worth more than $2 billion each way, which means the trade ties with Australia were worth more than those with China.

“Higher travel services have pushed Australia into the top position for total trade, despite China being New Zealand’s top exports destination for goods such as dairy, logs, and meat,” international statistics senior manager Daria Kwon said.

New Zealanders travelling to Australia spent $2.2 billion in the year ended March 2017, significantly more than the $257 million spent by New Zealanders travelling to China.

Most of this $2.2 billion worth of travel service imports was for personal travel, such as holidays or visiting friends and family. However, business travel was worth $537 million in the year.

Australians travelling to New Zealand (exports of travel services) spent $2.4 billion in the March 2017 year, mostly on personal travel ($1.9 billion).

New Zealand’s largest goods export to Australia was precious metals, jewellery, and coins ($625 million in the March 2017 year, mainly from gold mining), our 17th largest export commodity overall. This was followed by crude oil from the Taranaki oil fields, various foods, and machinery. Dairy products exported to Australia were New Zealand’s 23rd largest export commodity.

New Zealand’s total two-way trade with Australia was worth $24 billion, and we had a $1.6 billion trade surplus with Australia.

Total exports of goods and services were $70.4 billion, while total imports were $67.4 billion. Overall, New Zealand’s trade with the rest of the world was a $3.0 billion surplus for the March 2017 year.

Goods and Services Trade by Country: Year ended March 2017 – for more data and analysis

| A StatisticsNZ release  ||  June 02, 2017   |||

Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee has today welcomed the appointment of a New Zealander to an important role at the United Nations.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has confirmed the appointment of New Zealander Jan Beagle to the position of Under-Secretary-General for Management for a term of four years.

“This is a significant role with the United Nations given the new Secretary-General‘s reform priorities. It is one of a handful of very senior roles within the UN Secretariat,” Mr Brownlee says.

“As the Secretary-General noted in making the appointment, Ms Beagle has had a distinguished career in the United Nations serving in a number of high-level roles in New York and Geneva, most recently as the Deputy Executive Director of UN AIDS.

“This appointment is a tribute to Ms Beagle’s abilities and her excellent performance in the United Nations.

“I’d like to congratulate Ms Beagle on her new role and we look forward to working with her,” Mr Brownlee says.

| A beehive release  ||  June 02,  2017   |||

Ha Noi, Viet Nam – Ministers and Vice Ministers from Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Malaysia, Peru, Singapore and Viet Nam met today to discuss the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade.

The Ministers reaffirmed the balanced outcome and the strategic and economic significance of the TPP highlighting its principles and high standards as a way to promote regional economic integration, contribute positively to the economic growth prospects of its member countries, and create new opportunities for workers, families, farmers, businesses and consumers.

The Ministers agreed on the value of realising the TPP’s benefits and to that end, they agreed to launch a process to assess options to bring the comprehensive, high quality Agreement into force expeditiously, including how to facilitate membership for the original signatories.

The Ministers tasked their senior trade officials to engage to take forward the preparation of this assessment. Ministers asked for this work to be completed before they meet in the margins of the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting on 10-11 November 2017 in Da Nang, Vietnam.

The Ministers also underlined their vision for the TPP to expand to include other economies that can accept the high standards of the TPP.

These efforts would address our concern about protectionism, contribute to maintaining open markets, strengthening the rules-based international trading system, increasing world trade, and raising living standards.

|  A Beehive release   ||  May 21, 2017   |||

The build up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup presents a huge opportunity for any New Zealand tech firms considering the Japanese market as the passion for the All Blacks is huge in Japan, NZTech chief executive Graeme Muller says.

Muller has been in Japan this week on an economic and trade trip lead by Prime Minister Bill English.

Japan is a major trading partner with New Zealand with $6.4 billion traded between both countries last year. A large proportion of the $3.4 billion imported from Japan last year was technology, mainly consumer electronics.

"New Zealand is a trusted brand in Japan and the New Zealand government will be investing in and around the World Cup, which is closely followed by the Olympics, to help Kiwi businesses grow in Japan.

“The massive Japan market is often overlooked by many Kiwis looking past it to China. Japan is a huge, well organised and high wealth market that provides great returns for Kiwi companies that are prepared to take the long approach.

“Traditional firms like Fonterra, Zespri and ANZCO who have been operating in the Japanese market for decades continue to reap the rewards. Volumes may be lower but margins are much higher.

“Likewise, Kiwi tech firms operating in Japan like Shuttlerock and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare have taken a very long term view and continue to do well.

“Not known for technology, New Zealand’s biggest tech opportunity will probably come from agritech and partnerships with well entrenched traditional agri businesses like Fonterra and ANZCO who have deep relationships in the market.

“More and more Japanese tourists are coming to New Zealand and the best way to get Japanese businesses to understand our tech strengths will be to leverage this growing interest in New Zealand and bring them here to see our tech in action,” says Muller who arrives back in Auckland tomorrow morning.

Japan is New Zealand’s fourth largest goods export market worth $3 billion and Muller says he has enjoyed meeting Japanese tech leaders during the trip.

Technology is New Zealand’s third biggest and fastest growing industry and NZTech is the national voice of the Kiwi tech industry.

For further information contact NZTech chief executive Graeme Muller on 021 02520767 or Make Lemonade editor-in-chief Kip Brook on 0275 030188

|  A MakeLemonade release  ||   May 19, 2017   |||

1. Prime Minister of New Zealand the Right Honourable Bill English and Prime Minister of Japan His Excellency Shinzo Abe held a productive meeting in Tokyo on 17th May 2017. The two leaders reiterated the Strategic Cooperative Partnership between New Zealand and Japan founded on common values, such as freedom, democracy, rule of law and human rights, as well as a strong commitment to peace and security, free trade and investment, and sustainable development.

2. The two leaders acknowledged the success and maturity of New Zealand –Japan relationship at all levels, reflecting strong cooperation over many years.

3. The two leaders reiterated their firm commitment to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Prime Minister Abe welcomed New Zealand’s recent ratification of the TPP Agreement, alongside Japan. The two leaders appreciated the value of the TPP in enhancing high-standard regional trade rules and architecture, and contributing to growth, competition, innovation, and productivity that creates jobs and lower costs to consumers, as well as its strategic benefits. The two leaders affirmed the importance of close cooperation in realising TPP’s strategic and economic benefits and remain committed to maintaining the unity among the signatories and early entry into force of the TPP Agreement, whilst bearing in mind opportunities for other economies to join if they accept the high standards of the TPP. They also confirmed that New Zealand and Japan continue to work together on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement negotiations to achieve a high-quality agreement, covering trade in goods, trade in services, and investment as well as rules such as trade facilitation, rules of origin, e-commerce, intellectual property and government procurement, reaffirming the RCEP Guiding Principles and the Joint Statements by RCEP Leaders. They shared the view that ambitious, comprehensive, balanced, and high-standard TPP and RCEP outcomes would contribute positively to the shared goal of regional economic integration.

4. The two leaders condemned in the strongest terms North Korea’s nuclear tests, repeated ballistic missile launches and proliferation activities. They strongly urged North Korea to cease its destabilising and provocative actions immediately and to fully comply with its international obligations and commitments, including those under relevant United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions. The two leaders welcomed the unanimous adoption of UN Security Council resolution 2321 and emphasised the importance of enhancing pressure on North Korea through full, thorough and sustained implementation by Member States of all relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including Resolutions 2270 and 2321. The two leaders strongly urged North Korea to resolve the abductions issue at the earliest time.

5. The two leaders underlined the importance of ensuring a stable, free and open rules-based order and of enhancing connectivity in our region and beyond. They confirmed that New Zealand and Japan will continue to work proactively in this regard, together with other like-minded partners. Prime Minister English appreciated the briefing by Prime Minister Abe on Japan’s “Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy” and welcomed Japan’s greater engagement in the region.

6. The two leaders also re-emphasised the importance of upholding the rules-based regional and international order in the maritime domain, and called on all states to respect freedom of navigation and overflight, and unimpeded trade. They reaffirmed that any issues in the maritime domain should be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law and expressed their strong opposition to any use of force or actions that could increase tensions.

7. In this regard, the two leaders expressed concern over the situation in the South China Sea and called on the parties to settle disputes by peaceful means in accordance with United NationsConventions on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and in light of the award rendered by the Arbitral Tribunal on 12 July 2016. They called on all parties to uphold freedom of navigation and overflight and ensure unimpeded trade while avoiding provocative actions that could increase tensions and erode regional trust and confidence, including land reclamation, building of outposts, construction and militarisation.

8. The two leaders encouraged early finalisation of an effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) and full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety.

9. The two leaders welcomed the contribution of the East Asia Summit (EAS) and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) as important elements of regional architecture that promote stability and prosperity and advance regional economic integration. Japan welcomed New Zealand’s hosting of APEC in 2021.

10. Recognising the unique and complex challenges in the Pacific region, the two leaders emphasised the importance of cooperation between Japan, New Zealand, and the Pacific island countries to build economic and environmental resilience and maintain regional peace and stability. The two leaders committed to continue practical cooperation and policy consultation.

11. The two leaders acknowledged the commitment to develop the security and defence relationship following the signing of a Memorandum of Intent on Defence Cooperation in 2013. They welcomed recent concrete progress on the unit-to-unit exchanges and underscored the importance to seek further exchange and cooperation opportunities. They encouraged their officials to continue work on a possible acquisition and cross-servicing agreement (ACSA) between the two countries.

12. The two leaders encouraged stronger business linkages between Japan and New Zealand in areas of complementary strengths. They reaffirmed the importance of strengthening the partnership in food and agriculture between the two countries, and a shared commitment to food quality and safety. They welcomed the recent growth in research and commercialisation partnerships in functional food, elderly care technologies, agri-business, and geothermal energy. The two leaders welcomed the ongoing discussion between their officials to explore a Japan-New Zealand partnership on renewable energy. Prime Minister English welcomed Japan’s upcoming role as Chair of the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA). The two leaders instructed their officials to resume Joint Economic Consultations.

13. The two leaders welcomed enhanced bilateral cooperation in sport, culture and people-to- people linkages. They stated their intention to cooperate for the success of the Rugby World Cup 2019, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the World Masters Games 2021 to be hosted by Japan. They appreciated both initiatives; “Sport for Tomorrow” and “Game on English”. They also welcomed the signing of the bilateral Memorandum of Cooperation between the Japan Sports Agency and the Sport New Zealand. The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of sister city exchanges for promoting mutual understanding especially among young people.

14. With their past experiences of natural disasters in both countries, including great earthquakes, the two leaders shared the intention that both sides will seek further opportunities to work together to enhance recovery and resilience in the region.

15. The two leaders reaffirmed that Japan and New Zealand would continue to work closely together on global issues such as security, disarmament and non-proliferation, human rights, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, climate change, the UN Security Council reform, based on their shared commitment to common democratic values, peace and security, free trade and investment, and international law. "The information contained in this email message is intended only for the addressee and is not necessarily the official view or communication of the Ministry. It may be legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient you must not use, disclose, copy or distribute this message or the information in it as this may be unlawful. If you have received this message in error, please email or telephone the sender immediately."

Bill EnglishPrime Minister

|  A Beehive rrelease  ||  May 18, 2017   |||

Entries for the inaugural ExportNZ ASB Wellington Export Awards close this Friday, May 19.

Entrants must have a minimum of $100,000 in export revenue and be based in the Wellington region, which includes Horowhenua, Manawatu, Tararua, and Wairarapa down to Wellington.

Companies can enter any of four categories: Marsh Innovation in Export Award, MFAT Most Sustainable in Export Award, Wellington Airport Emerging Exporter Award, CentrePort Excellence in Export Services Award. Entrants will be required to describe their company and its achievements in export.

The judges will visit shortlisted companies during the week of 29 May – 2 June, at which time their submissions will be discussed. The finalists will be announced on 6 June, and the winners of each category will contest the supreme award, the ASB Exporter of the Year, which will be announced at a gala dinner on the waterfront at Te Wharewaka on 21 June.

The judges are three experts in the area of trade: Mike Atkins, Head of Trade Finance at ASB; Charles Finny, Government Relations Consultant, Saunders Unsworth; Rachel Baxter, customer managers team leader, NZ Trade and Enterprise.

Chamber Chief Executive John Milford says the purpose of the awards is to celebrate businesses making it in the export market.

"Exporters are the lifeblood of our country and we need to acknowledge their contribution.

"ExportNZ awards are held throughout the country and the time is right for Wellington to celebrate those companies that contribute so much in the form of export receipts and jobs to both the national and local economy by way of their skill and innovation.

"We're not just talking about physical exports such as manufactured and agriculture goods that go through CentrePort and the airport, but also those from our booming service and IT sectors.

"These awards are a great chance for export businesses to expand their business horizons and get inspired."

Entry forms, criteria details, and registration forms are available on the Chamber of Commerce website: www.wecc.org.nz

ExportNZ Wellington is overseen by Wellington Chamber of Commerce.

About the judges:

Mike Atkins is Head of Trade Finance at ASB and has more than 30 years' experience in the field of International Trade.

Charles Finny is a Government Relations Consultant at Saunders Unsworth. His areas of expertise include China, US politics and trade policy, Australia, Asia and international trade.

Rachel Baxter leads a team of customer managers at NZTE, working to grow companies internationally - bigger, better, faster - for the benefit of New Zealand. The team works with 130 exporting companies based in the upper South Island (Nelson/Marlborough) and lower North Island. Rachel's background is in strategy, economics and policy.

| A WECC release  ||  May 17, 2017   |||

Science and Innovation and Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Paul Goldsmith will travel to China tonight to represent New Zealand at the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing.

“Attending the first Belt and Road Forum will allow us to add a distinctly New Zealand voice and perspective. New Zealand’s best interests lie in participating in international initiatives that have the potential to benefit our economy and society,” says Mr Goldsmith.

New Zealand’s participation in the Forum follows on from Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s successful visit to New Zealand in March, where he and Prime Minister Bill English witnessed the signing of a number of arrangements that reinforced the strength of the New Zealand-China bilateral relationship, including committing to working with China on its Belt and Road Initiative.

“We have a great record of advocating for open, rules-based systems that make trading, investment and people movements flow more easily,” Mr Goldsmith says.

Following the Forum, which runs from 14 to 15 May, Mr Goldsmith will undertake a series of meetings and events relating to his ministerial portfolios.

“China is an important research partner for New Zealand and the bilateral relationship between the two countries has continued to thrive in recent years, particularly with the signing of several major research partnership agreements in the last 12 months,” says Mr Goldsmith.

While in China Mr Goldsmith will also:

• Meet with the Minister of Science and Technology Wan Gang, and Minister of Education Chen Baosheng
• Open the University of Auckland’s Innovation Institute in Hangzhou
• Open of the Joint Institute between the University of Waikato and Zhejiang University City College
• Attend the 10th Anniversary event of the New Zealand Centre at Peking University.

Mr Goldsmith will return to New Zealand on 20 May.

|  A Beehive release  ||  May13, 2017   |||