New Zealand red meat exporters back swift conclusion to India-New Zealand FTA

The New Zealand red meat sector is supporting calls for a swift conclusion to the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and has signed an open letter to parliamentarians from BusinessNZ.

“This FTA brings New Zealand’s red meat sector one step closer to unlocking new opportunities from a market with considerable long-term potential, and we are calling on the Government to sign the FTA now to keep building momentum,” says Nathan Guy, independent chair of the Meat Industry Association (MIA).

“Globally our exporters are facing rising protectionism, uncertainty and volatility. Access to different markets is key to help us weather market dynamics as it provides the sector with options and creates resilience supporting farm-gate returns and the national economy.”

“That is why MIA and Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) have both signed the BusinessNZ-led letter.”

Kate Acland, B+LNZ chair, says in these uncertain times New Zealand needs to do everything it can to seize market access opportunities, particularly in markets with great prospects in the future such as India.

“It has taken nearly 20 years to conclude this negotiation, and we would like to see it passed by the respective Parliaments.  As with some of our other FTAs, it will be possible to negotiate improvements in the future.

“This year, India surpassed China as the most populous country in the world. It is projected to become the world’s third-largest economy within five years, and its middle class is growing.

“In addition to unlocking a promising market that has been constrained due to the 30 per cent tariff currently on New Zealand sheepmeat, an FTA will also deliver important additional options for our exporters, spread risk and provide greater stability.”

Learn more at ExportNZ.