ZB ZB
Live now
Start time
Playing for
End time
Listen live
Listen to NAME OF STATION
Up next
Listen live on
ZB

Horticultural sector praises govt's new free trade strategy

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff,
Publish Date
Sat, 25 Mar 2017, 6:50AM
The Prime Minister has announced a plan to have 90 per cent of exports covered by free trade agreements by 2030. (Getty)
The Prime Minister has announced a plan to have 90 per cent of exports covered by free trade agreements by 2030. (Getty)

Horticultural sector praises govt's new free trade strategy

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff,
Publish Date
Sat, 25 Mar 2017, 6:50AM

The horticultural sector is full of praise for the government's lofty trade goals.

The Prime Minister has announced a plan to have 90 per cent of exports covered by free trade agreements by 2030, up from the current 54 per cent.

According to the latest Business Monitor Survey, more than 70 percent of businesses in the finance and agriculture sectors support free trade.

Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Mike Campbell said the sector has grown 40 per cent in two years.

"We're on a growth path, and the way we go is for an increase in free trade agreements. That's part of the agenda - quality free trade agreements."

Campbell said it's time to focus on emerging companies.

"The extra support for businesses who are exporting and just starting exporting is just fantastic. So for us, it's a great package."

READ MORE: Govt sets new free trade target

A new Ministerial Advisory Group on Trade is being created, and Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Chris Roberts will be among those at the table.

Mr Roberts said it's a sign of tourism's importance.

"Only a few years ago tourism really struggled to be recognised as an export earner, and here we are asked to be part of a Ministerial Advisory Group on trade."

LISTEN: Govt's free trade target "pretty ambitious", says Export NZ

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you