The Spanish Presidency begins with the signing of the Free Trade Agreement between the EU and New Zealand

The signing ceremony took place in Brussels

According to Héctor Gómez, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, this signature demonstrates the EU's unwavering commitment to the benefits of trade liberalization and the promotion of open strategic autonomy.

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La Spanish Presidency has begun with the signing of the Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and New Zealand. This agreement aims to strengthen trade relations with the Indo-Pacific region, reduce barriers and promote sustainable economic growth.

 

 

The Agreement includes leading commitments in areas such as the environment, fundamental labor rights and gender equality. According to Hector Gomez, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, this signature demonstrates the EU's unwavering commitment to the benefits of commercial openness and the promotion of open strategic autonomy.

 

The signing ceremony took place in Brussels and was attended by the executive vice president of the European Commission and Trade Commissioner, Valdis Dombrovskis, New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Export Growth, Damien O'Connor, and the Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Spain to the EU, Marcos Alonso. Also present as observers were the president of the European Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen, and the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Chris Hipkins.

 

 

The Agreement seeks to reduce barriers to bilateral trade in goods and services, ensuring that European companies compete on equal terms.

 

In addition, improvements have been achieved in access to markets for goods, services, public procurement and protection of intellectual property.

 

Also noteworthy is the inclusion of commitments regarding sustainability, such as trade and fossil fuel subsidy reform, sustainable food systems, circular economy, deforestation, carbon pricing and protection of the marine environment. Likewise, a specific chapter has been included on SMEs to help medium and small companies export.

 

Negotiations for this Agreement began in June 2018 and concluded in June 2022, after twelve rounds of negotiations. Once he European Parliament consent and New Zealand ratifies it, the agreement can enter into force.

 

Regarding bilateral trade relations between Spain and New Zealand, it is highlighted that New Zealand is Spain's 85th trading partner. In the last financial year of 2022, Spanish exports to New Zealand reached 290,87 million euros, with an increase of 15% compared to the previous year. The most exported products were vehicles and components, meat products, fats and oils, machinery and equipment, and electrical appliances and material.