Making Business Easier between Hong Kong and New Zealand

Hong Kong-New Zealand Closer Economic Partnership

This is your chance to put forward ideas and experiences which can help formulate agreements to make doing business between the countries more effective and efficient.

I have been asked to attend a roundtable discussion with the New Zealand Negotiation team on Mon 2 March.

If you are reading this after that date still let me know your ideas as there will be other opportunities to feed into the negotiations.

Looking forward to hearing your ideas on what barriers, difficulties or frustrations you have had or heard about in providing products or services in Hong Kong.

Here is a little more background.

New Zealand commenced a 'Closer Economic Partnership' (CEP) negotiation with Hong Kong in 2001. Talks were suspended in late 2002 after five rounds of negotiation. The two countries maintained a constructive relationship over the intervening years, supported by close business, educational and other ties. Following informal discussions, both Parties have agreed to resume negotiations towards a CEP and they are hopeful that it will be possible to find a way through the difficulties which led to the suspension.

Officials will meet in Hong Kong in early March 2009 for preparatory discussions with the first full round of resumed negotiations planned to take place in New Zealand in late April/early May.

Businesses and stakeholders with an interest in Hong Kong are encouraged to provide feedback on their areas of particular interest. This feedback will be taken into account as the mandate for resumed negotiations is determined.

If you prefer you can also direct your suggestions to MFAT directly and get additional information via http://www.mfat.govt.nz/Trade-and-Economic-Relations/Trade-Agreements/Hong-Kong/index.php

Now if you are a Hong Kong person who has had difficulties doing business in New Zealand then the NZ government is keen to hear your stories so that they can make things easier for you.

Looking forward to reading your comments and taking them to the discussions.

Grow well
Dr Merrin