By Elishya Perera
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (CWBN)_New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Export Growth, Damien O’Connor, said the government is working with businesses and industry representatives to ensure preparations for all Brexit eventualities in order to protect the interests of the Pacific island nation.
“Regardless of whether a deal is concluded, there will be changes at the border between the UK and EU from 1 January,” the Minister said in a statement issued today (Dec 20). “These changes will have implications for New Zealand businesses who trade between the UK and the EU and, in some cases, those who trade directly with the UK. Delays at the border are a possibility.”
O’Connor noted that the New Zealand government has intensified its Brexit preparations in the recent months, which involves a call on businesses engaged in the UK and the EU markets to ensure they are prepared for the “imminent changes” expected following the expiration of the Brexit transition period on December 31.
The minister also urged such businesses to confirm their upcoming arrangements with customers, business partners and logistic suppliers in order to establish continuity and stability for New Zealand traders.
O’Connor said that the government has worked closely with their UK counterparts and have successfully replicated several key regulatory agreements with the EU, especially those which cover bilateral trade.
The Minister pointed out that one of the critical issues is New Zealand’s quota access for some products into the EU and the UK after the UK leaves the EU’s Customs Union, adding that the government at all levels including the Prime Minister, Ministers and senior officials, are working hard to secure an acceptable resolution which is in line with the assurances given by the UK and the EU that New Zealand will not be left worse off as a result of Brexit.
According to the statement, apart from the issue of preservation of New Zealand’s existing quota access, the government also continues to make progress on several other free trade agreements with the European Union and the United Kingdom.
