Chinese Premier visits NZ to discuss FTAs
In a speech to business leaders on Friday, Prime Minister Bill English noted a "rather odd situation" where China was pushing a policy which "we are much more comfortable with than, say, the direction of the US".
High on the agenda during Li's visit will be the negotiations to upgrade the NZ-China free trade agreement signed in 2008. New Zealand was the first developed country to sign a FTA with China and has been pushing for an upgrade after other countries including Australia signed FTAs on more favourable terms in some areas. A focus will be on eliminating non-tariff barriers (NTBs).
The initiative has caused debate in Australia about Chinese influence and the possibility that joining could affect relations with the US, but McClay told Q&A that New Zealand had already looked to overseas investment to build infrastructure, including new hotel projects in Auckland.
source: nzherald.co.nz
