The Government has provided an update on the negotiations between the United Kingdom and New Zealand on their future trading relationship. Between the 8^th – 16^th June, the fifth round of talks between both nations has taken place. Clear paths to closure have been agreed upon regarding a wide range of subjects. These include digital, goods, telecoms, labour, customs and rules of origin. During the previous rounds, there has been completion of talks on the areas of SMEs, competition and remedies.

Both countries are committed to agreeing a high quality, comprehensive free trade agreement that “supports jobs, broadens consumer choice, and provides more opportunities in key industries such as services, digital trade, and the green economy”.Talks were bolstered during this round by the visit of New Zealand’s Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor. This visit took place from 16-18 June and facilitated the arrangement of face-to-face talks.

Further rounds will be held on future trade arrangements, the NHS will protected throughout and any deal will reflect the UK’s high environmental, labour, food safety and animal welfare standards. Progress during this round led to agreements on chapters relating to disputes, transparency and Government procurement also. For example, the Disputes Chapter establishes mechanisms to “promote and enforce compliance with the agreement and ensures that state-to-state disputes are dealt with consistently, fairly and in a cost-effective, transparent, and timely manner”.

The next round of negotiations, round 6, is scheduled to take place in July, with a series of intersessional discussions across the FTA planned for the next month.