WELLINGTON, May 25 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand intensifies efforts to strike a free trade deal with the European Union as Trade and Export Growth Minister David Parker starts his visit to France and Germany next week, according to a statement on Thursday.
Lobbying for support and paving the way for New Zealand's free trade talks stay high on the minister's visit when he will hold bilateral talks in Paris and Berlin, where he will discuss the launch of negotiations on an EU-New Zealand free trade agreement (FTA), following the EU's adoption of its negotiating mandate this week.
"New Zealand and the EU are close and natural partners on almost every global issue," Parker said in a statement.
"An EU-New Zealand FTA will bring real benefits to both sides. It could also provide a model for what can be achieved between two parties committed to progressive and inclusive trade policies that benefit all our people," Parker said.
Parker leaves on Sunday to attend the OECD's annual Ministerial Council meeting in Paris, which he will vice-chair. He will also join an informal gathering of World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministers to discuss ways to advance WTO talks and strengthen multilateralism.
"With protectionism on the rise and escalating fears of trade wars, this is a top priority for New Zealand right now," he said.
Many of the challenges the government is working to address, from multinational tax avoidance to climate change and inequality, are best tackled in cooperation with other countries, the minister said.
At the meeting, Parker intends to share key elements of the government's economic and well-being strategy, including the recently-announced Trade for All agenda.
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