Free Trade Agreement
The NZ-UK Free Trade Explorer
The NZ-UK Free Trade Explorer makes it easier to navigate the complexities of the New Zealand-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement which entered into force on 31 May 2023.
Whether you are a business owner or policymaker, the Explorer offers clear, real-time responses to your questions.
The Explorer can respond to questions about tariff schedules, market access provisions, rules of origin, and dispute settlement mechanisms – among other things.
It aims to improve understanding and utilization of this trade agreement, promoting economic collaboration between New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
This chatbot was developed by JH Consulting using the text of Free Trade Agreement and other official documents in the public domain.
Feedback and questions are welcome and can be sent to info@bnzba.co.nz
Disclaimer: The AI chatbot is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as legal or professional advice. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, no guarantees are made regarding its completeness or reliability. Users should independently verify the information and consult with appropriate legal or trade professionals before making decisions based on the chatbot's responses. The developers of the AI chatbot are not liable for any actions taken or decisions made based on the information provided by the chatbot.
Timeline
Following the Brexit Referendum in the UK in June 2016, the UK and New Zealand governments agreed to implement a Trade Policy Dialogue to prepare the way for entering into a formal Free Trade Agreement once the UK had formally left the EU. After a number of Trade Policy Dialogue meetings and calls for public submissions in both countries, FTA negotiations were launched on 17th June 2020. Following 6 rounds of negotiations, all held virtually due to Covid restrictions, on the 20th October 2021 an Agreement in Principle was announced. On the 28th February 2022 in London the two countries signed the Agreement and began the processes needed to enable the FTA to go live. The FTA came into force in both countries on 31st May 2023.
Public Submissions
Between November 2018 and February 2019 the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade asked for public submissions on a future New Zealand- United Kingdom FTA. A summary of those submissions can be found here and the individual submissions here.
Between July and October 2018 the UK's Department for International Trade held a public consultation on a potential FTA with New Zealand. A summary of the responses received can be found here. Further input was received via the UK Government's Strategic Trade Advisory Group and its network of Trade Advisory Groups which both support the development of the UK's trade policies and negotiations.
The Free Trade Agreement
On 28th February 2022, New Zealand and the United Kingdom signed the FTA. A full transcript of the Agreement can be found here.
The key benefits of the FTA from the New Zealand perspective can be found here and from the UK perspective here.
Other Items of Interest
Video of call between UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on announcing the Agreement in Principle.
Letter from H.E. Laura Clarke OBE, British High Commissioner to New Zealand, on the signed Agreement
Video of H.E. Laura Clarke OBE, British High Commissioner to New Zealand, discussing the FTA with the BNZBA
Feedback to info@bnzba.co.nz
Developed by JH Consulting
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