The Free Trade Agreement between New Zealand and the European Union boosts trade and investment, opening doors to Spanish companies.

 

La CEOE and Embassy of New Zealand in Spain commemorated the first anniversary of the Free trade agreement between both regions. The event, which brought together institutional figures and business leaders, served to analyze the progress and challenges of this first year of implementation.

 

Notable participants included HE Tara Morton, New Zealand Ambassador to Spain, Marta Blanco, International Director of CEOE, and Julián Conthé, Director General of Trade Policy at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Business.

 

Ambassador Morton highlighted the growth of bilateral trade and emphasized crucial aspects of the agreement, such as respect for European appellations of origin, which include emblematic products such as Rioja wine and Manchego cheese. He also highlighted the equal access of European companies to public tenders in New Zealand, equating them with local companies. The ambassador also emphasized her country's efforts to attract foreign direct investment, mentioning the creation of Invest in New Zealand, a new agency dedicated to facilitating the raising of high-value European capital.

 

 

During the day, key challenges and business opportunities were identified with the testimony of different Spanish and New Zealand companies that do business in both countries.

 

 

For its part, Julian Conthé, from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise, indicated that, despite the absence of definitive consolidated data, they are already perceived significant growth in specific items, such as paprika. Conthé recalled that favorable regulations for access to the New Zealand market already existed, but emphasized that the current agreement expands the opportunities in public tenders, covering not only the national level but also regional and local, citing as an example transport projects in cities such as Auckland. He stressed that this treaty is positioned to vanguard of EU trade agreements, by integrating innovative elements such as mobility, mutual recognition of professional qualifications and a comprehensive approach that will serve as reference for future negotiations, including those from Australia and the update with Mexico.

 

Both speakers agreed on the convergence of values ​​and objectives between New Zealand and the EU, stating that in today's complex global landscape, agreements like this are crucial to deliver certainty to the business sector.

 

The day concluded with a roundtable discussion where companies operating in both markets shared their experiences. Alexis Puig, CEO of ParkHelp, recounted his collaboration with Movac, New Zealand's leading technology investment fund, praising the ease of dealing with New Zealand partners, although acknowledging the challenges inherent in the time difference. Rafael Hernando, Institutional Relations at Cosentino, highlighted the New Zealand market opportunities for premium European construction companies. For its part, Felix Donoso, by Straker, a leader in artificial intelligence applied to language, explained the your company's strategic commitment to Spain, based on local talent and cost competitiveness.

 

Marta White He closed the event by extending an invitation to continue the dialogue at a future meeting, scheduled for when the draft New Zealand Infrastructure Plan for the next 30 years is approved, a plan that has the unanimous support of all political forces.

 

The meeting ended with a tasting of typical New Zealand products and wines, facilitating the networking in a relaxed atmosphere. During the cocktail hour, Juan Millán, President of the Australia-New Zealand-Spain Business Association (ANZSBA) and CEO of Gedeth Network, highlighted in conversations with the attendees Growing interest of Spanish companies in the New Zealand market, a market that he described as secure, with high purchasing power and a great appreciation for quality products.