Brexit: New Zealand to negotiate free trade agreements with UK and EU

By RNZ

The New Zealand Government has congratulated the UK and the European Union on the Brexit deal agreed this morning, four and a half years after the British people voted to leave the EU.

Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta said that in recent months the government had stepped up its efforts to help New Zealand businesses prepare for the new era, with or without a deal.

“We warmly congratulate the UK and the EU on the announcement. We know this has not been an easy process and we recognize that there are more steps before the deal is finalized.”

He said the government hoped to be able to negotiate free trade agreements with both parties, but in the meantime, the issue of preserving access to quotas in both markets must be resolved.

Both the UK and the EU have ensured that the deal will not leave New Zealand in a worse situation.

“In 2021, we hope to deepen our ties with both the UK and the EU for the benefit of our respective peoples,” Mahuta said.

“This includes the negotiation of comprehensive and high-quality free trade agreements with the EU and the UK, in line with Aotearoa New Zealand’s Trade for All agenda. These remain priorities for this Government.”