Federated Farmers is delighted to see the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) formally signed off on Friday.
"This is a great outcome for not just the primary sector but all New Zealanders. It ensures our country will be part of a critical trade deal," says Katie Milne, Federated Farmers national president.
"This agreement goes far beyond primary sector interests. There will be potential to develop new technologies and economic partnerships while reducing business costs, which will be beneficial to kiwis working across all industries.
"It's vital that these international trade agreements exist, without it, there's a real risk of more countries retreating to economic protectionism, which would hamper our access to key and emerging markets.
"The Federation is delighted that the Government has stayed resolute throughout negotiations to find a consensus, resulting in the signing of the agreement," says Katie.